****Rivers State in Shock as Students En Route to Exams Remain in Captivity**
Newsie Events Media :
A chilling wave of anguish continues to grip families and communities in Rivers State as 13 passengers—including eight students on their way to sit the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE)—remain in captivity following a pirate attack on the Port Harcourt–Bille waterways earlier this month.
The abduction, which occurred on May 6, 2025, in Degema Local Government Area, involved the hijacking of two passenger boats by armed men, who now demand a staggering ₦100 million ransom for the victims’ release.
While families wait in agony, their only communication with the kidnappers has come through ransom demands. Dr. Osaki Miller, a native of Bille Kingdom and former Youth President of the community, confirmed that the abductors reached out to the victims’ families with the ultimatum.
“As we speak, we don’t even know where they are being held. And now, we’ve been told to come up with ₦100 million. These are just young students who left home to write their exams,” Dr. Miller said at a press briefing in Port Harcourt.
The emotional weight of the situation is growing heavier by the day. Parents of the kidnapped students are reportedly distraught, as anxiety mounts over the physical and mental condition of the captives.
“No one in our community can afford that kind of money. We are calling on the authorities—please do something. Time is not on our side,” Miller pleaded, specifically urging the intervention of Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.).
Despite protests and repeated reports to the government and security agencies, there has been no tangible progress, Miller noted.
Adding his voice, former Bille Community Chairman, Mr. Fibite Bibi, confirmed that one abductee—a uniformed security officer—was released last Friday under unclear circumstances.
“But the students are still being held. We don’t even know if ransom was paid for the released man,” Bibi said. “Now the abductors are asking for ₦100 million. Where do we even begin to raise that?”
He called on security agencies to take immediate and decisive steps, saying the community cannot meet the kidnappers’ demands.
In response, Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the public that operations are underway.
“Efforts have been intensified to secure the victims’ release and bring those responsible to book,” she stated, confirming that collaboration with other security agencies is ongoing.
As the clock ticks and the trauma deepens, the people of Bille Kingdom and beyond await action—and answers.
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