Students travelling for UTME among victims as fresh security fears grip South-South waterways

At least 20 passengers, including candidates sitting for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), have been abducted by suspected sea pirates along the Calabar waterways.

The incident occurred on Friday as the victims travelled in a passenger ferry from Calabar, Cross River State, to Oron in Akwa Ibom State. Armed attackers reportedly ambushed the vessel mid-journey, seizing several passengers at gunpoint before fleeing to an unknown destination.

A naval officer, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the attack, noting that the assailants carried out a coordinated operation on the busy water route. While the exact number of abductees remains unverified, multiple sources indicated that a significant number of those taken were students heading to Akwa Ibom to sit for their UTME exams.

Authorities have yet to provide a clear account of the situation. The Cross River State Police Command has not issued an official confirmation, with its spokesperson, SP Sunday Eitokpah, directing inquiries to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, citing the ferry’s destination.

As of press time, neither the Nigerian Navy nor other security agencies have released statements regarding rescue efforts or the whereabouts of the victims.

The attack has heightened anxiety over the safety of waterways in the South-South region, especially for students travelling for critical national examinations. It also follows closely on the heels of a similar abduction along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State, further deepening concerns about the security of UTME candidates across the country.