By Jonathan Ugbal
Everyone abducted by kidnappers along the Calabar – Oron waterway, on September 25th have now been released after 11 days in captivity, Police sources say.
“They came out before close of business yesterday (Monday), and protocol was followed with medicals first before other things,” one Senior Police official told CrossRiverWatch.
17 people were abducted in the kidnap incident, the second of such nature, since April when 20 people suffered a similar fate.
CrossRiverWatch has initially reported 15 based on the accounts of a survivor.
The Captain of the ferry belonging to Akwa-Cross Boat Management limited, operators of Sea Express, blew up one of two engines while trying to escape from the kidnappers.
READ MORE: A’Ibom Police PRO, Eyo Ekpo Escape As Gunmen Kidnap 15 Along Calabar Waterway
The Public Relations Officer of the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigerian Police Force, Timfon John and former Cross River Attorney General, Eyo Ekpo Esq were among those who escaped unhurt.
A sister ferry service last week, issued a message of support, urging the security agencies to act and rescue the victims.
Security sources still query how the incursion happened as the waterway is frequently patrolled by two vessels of the Nigerian Navy and the Marine Command of the Nigerian Police at strategic locations.
As at press time, it remains unclear whether it was a rescue operation or ransom was paid.