Suspected militants have attacked a Calabar bound engine boat injuring one passenger in the process.

The boat left Oron, in Akwa Ibom State about an hour ago and was heading with about a dozen passengers to Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

One passenger was shot in the stomach and is said to be receiving treatment in a medical facility.

Sources said the militants attacked with a gunboat.

As at press time, it was unclear whether more boats will risk the journey

The waterway has been the fastest means of transportation between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States due to the bad nature of the Calabar – Itu road which is the only highway that links southern Cross River with other South – South states.

The fare hiked by nearly 75 percent to NGN2,000 for the 40 minutes trip when it became the preferred means of transportation.

And, after what seemed a hiatus, this may be a signal that the militants may have returned to the waterways after a major group, the Bakassi Strike Force was granted amnesty by the State government in 2018.