Terror on the Water: Students Abducted on Way to WASSCE as Kidnappers Demand ₦100m

 

Thirteen passengers, including eight students en route to take the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), remain missing after they were kidnapped by pirates along the Port Harcourt–Bille waterways on May 6, 2025. The incident, which unfolded in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, has sent shockwaves through the affected communities and sparked urgent calls for government intervention.

The assailants reportedly hijacked two boats and took all onboard hostage. Among the captives are students who were on their way to sit for one of the most critical examinations of their academic journey. Their abduction has ignited panic among families and ignited outrage over what many are calling a failure of security in the region.

Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Dr. Osaki Miller, an indigene of Bille Kingdom and the former Youth President of the community, confirmed that the kidnappers had made contact with the victims’ families, demanding a ransom of ₦100 million for their release.

“As we speak, the whereabouts of the victims is still unknown,” Miller stated, his voice heavy with concern. “We have now been made to understand that the abductors are asking for ₦100 million ransom. These are young students who were only on their way to write their exams. Their parents are traumatised, and no family in our community can raise such an outrageous amount.”

The emotional toll of the crisis is beginning to show. Families are wracked with fear and uncertainty, while community leaders continue to appeal for urgent action. Miller underscored the desperation of the situation, warning that time is running out. “We are deeply worried. Time is ticking, and the authorities must act fast.”

Dr. Miller made a passionate plea to the State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), urging him to intervene and facilitate the safe return of the hostages. According to him, complaints have been submitted to various authorities, including security agencies, but so far, no significant progress has been reported.

Former Chairman of Bille Community, Mr. Fibite Bibi, echoed similar concerns, disclosing that one of the captives—a uniformed security personnel—was released last Friday. The circumstances of his release remain unclear, with no confirmation on whether any payment was made. However, Bibi emphasized that the financial demand for the remaining captives, especially the students, is completely beyond the community’s capacity.

“They released a uniformed man who was kidnapped alongside the students. We don’t know whether ransom was paid,” he said. “But right now, they are demanding ₦100 million for the students and other residents. Where will that money come from?”

Community leaders are now pressing security forces to intensify their efforts. “The security agencies should do what they are supposed to do and rescue these people,” Bibi urged. “Nobody has that kind of money. They should please release the victims.”

When reached for comment, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, acknowledged the situation and said security efforts had been ramped up to locate the victims and apprehend the kidnappers. “Efforts have been intensified to secure the release of the victims and to apprehend the perpetrators,” she said, assuring the public that police are collaborating with other security forces to resolve the crisis.

For now, the families wait—grappling with fear, uncertainty, and the haunting silence of loved ones torn away in an act of senseless violence.