Sea pirates abduct 20 passengers along Calabar waterways, including popular comedian

In a disturbing maritime incident, about 20 passengers were abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar waterways in Akwa Ibom State.

The attack, which took place on April 18, 2025, has sent shockwaves across the region, especially with reports confirming that a well-known comedian, Odey Mathias, popularly known as General Odey, is among the victims.

According to information gathered by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the pirates intercepted a commercial speedboat named Devinewill during its journey, forcing all passengers onto their own vessels before whisking them away to an undisclosed location.

Confirming the incident, a worker at the Oron beach said a naval patrol team from Calabar responded quickly but was unable to stop the pirates from escaping with the victims.

The hijacked boat was later recovered empty by the naval team. Security agencies are currently making efforts to locate the kidnappers and safely rescue the abducted passengers.