Rivers Women Protest Abduction of WAEC Candidates, Demand Government Action

By Felicia Noka

Dozens of women from the Bille community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State stormed the streets of Port Harcourt on Tuesday, protesting the abduction of eight students who were kidnapped by suspected pirates while traveling by boat to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The students were among 13 passengers aboard a speedboat hijacked by armed men on May 6 along the Port Harcourt–Bille waterways. The pirates reportedly diverted the boat into the creeks, seizing valuables and abducting the passengers.

Clad in black clothing, the protesters, under the aegis of Concerned People of Bille Kingdom, marched from the State Police Command Headquarters on Moscow Road to the Rivers State Government House on Azikiwe Road. They carried placards with messages such as: “Government save us from sea pirates,” and “Our children going to write WAEC are with the pirates in the bush.”

Some protesters alleged that the abducted girls were sexually assaulted by the kidnappers. “Sea pirates took him into the bush. Government, please help me bring back my son,” cried one elderly woman, collapsing in front of the Government House gates.

Another protester, Blessing Alale, recounted previous attacks on the waterways, revealing that her mother had earlier been abducted along with seven others. She said the family had to pay N30 million in ransom, in addition to fuel, food, and electronic supplies demanded by the kidnappers before they were released.

“Now our children going to write WAEC have been taken. They’ve already missed several papers. This is not just a crime against the community; it’s a crime against their future,” Alale said.

In a formal address delivered to a government representative, protest leader Janet Adebayo called for urgent intervention by security agencies. She appealed for increased surveillance, deployment of patrol units, and immediate rescue operations.

“This tragic incident marks yet another escalation in the persistent security threats along our waterways. It endangers both lives and the socio-economic stability of Bille and other riverine communities,” Adebayo said.

Responding to the protesters, the Camp Commandant of the Rivers State Government House, O.I. Gabriel, assured them that their petition would be delivered to the relevant authorities. “I have been directed by the Chief of Staff to receive your letter. Immediate action will be taken,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko said efforts have been intensified to secure the release of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.