The police in Rivers say they arrested a sea pirate and rescued eight kidnapped victims who were separately attacked on September 6 and 7 along the Bodo-Bonny waterways.

State police spokesman, Nnamdi Omoni, in a statement sent to Peoples Gazette on Friday, disclosed that the victims were rescued due to intense pressure mounted on the kidnappers by the operatives of the anti-cultism unit.

Mr Omoni noted that the unit had earlier arrested a 35-year-old Baridula Gboro from Gokana Local Government Area, who confessed to the crime and exposed the hideout of his team members and the place the victims were kept.

“Following which, they were forced to abandon the victims.

“Meanwhile, the victims who were feasibly frayed were released for medical attention, as efforts have been intensified to ensure the arrest of the remnants of the gang and recover their operational weapons,” Mr Omoni said.

Victims rescued are: Ossai Christian, Grace Jumbo, Rita Allison, Johnson Osel, Gladys Long John, Maimuna Abiba, Obianuga Angus, and Adekola Opayemi who was rescued last night at Bolo creek in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of the State.

“Police Commissioner, Eboka Friday has increased the presence of the Police on the Bodo/Bonny waterways with a view to stemming the tide of attacks on the waterways and ensuring the safety of passengers.

“He is however advising passengers and those using the waterways to avoid late night journeys that will expose them to danger and abide by all maritime safety protocols.

“He is equally advising Marine Transport Operators to subject their members for profiling as the kidnap incidents were masterminded by a boat operator,” Mr Omoni added.