Isaka 18: House of Reps Demand Urgent Action, Task JTF on Release of Victims, Pregnant Woman

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has directed the security agencies to initiate a swift and coordinated action to secure the immediate release of 18 individuals abducted by sea pirates along the waterways in Rivers State.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu gave this directive during its plenary session on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Abuja.

The directive was in response to a motion of urgent national importance raised by the member representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency, Cyril Hart, who raised the alarm over the incident.

Hart revealed that the abduction, which occurred on May 7, 2025 involved a group of innocent travelers, including a pregnant woman whose welfare has sparked serious concern.

The criminal elements had in a series of coordinated attacks commandeered two outboard engine powered boats off their courses along with their passengers and snatched another without passengers.

One of the boats was heading to Bonny in Bonny LGA with five persons on board including a student, while the second boat with 13 persons on board including a pregnant woman was traveling to Bille in Degema LGA.

The two boats were attacked and whisked away with their passengers at Isaka Community in Okrika LGA while the third boat was snatched close to Tourist Beach in Port Harcourt.

“The lives of these captives hang in the balance, and every passing day increases the risk to their safety,” Hart warned.

Supporting the motion, the member representing Baruten/Ikalama Federal Constituency in Kwara State, Mohammed Bio called on the Joint Task Force (JTF) operating in the Niger Delta to act decisively and deploy all necessary resources to bring the victims home.

Responding, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, directed the matter to the Committees on Navy and Police for immediate legislative follow-up and oversight.

The lawmakers emphasized that the rising wave of maritime insecurity in the Niger Delta threatens not just the lives of citizens but also the economic stability of coastal communities.

They urged security agencies to “rise to the occasion” and reaffirm their commitment to protecting lives and restoring safety in the region.