The Bayelsa State Police Command has pledged to safely recover Justice E.G. Umokoro, a judge of the State High Court, who was kidnapped by gunmen believed to have disguised themselves in police uniforms.
The judge was abducted on Saturday evening near the Ekeki Motor Park in Yenagoa, where the attackers fired multiple shots to create panic before whisking him away to an unknown location.
In an official statement released on Sunday through the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Commissioner of Police (CP) Francis Alonyenu reassured the public that security agencies are actively collaborating to track and rescue the judge.
Dismissing rumours that the kidnappers were genuine police officers, the CP clarified that the assailants were impostors.
Alonyenu said Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa had directed all security agencies to intensify their efforts in locating the judge and bringing the culprits to justice.
“The Bayelsa Police Command is fussing efforts with other security agencies and reviewing video clips related to the event with different digital footage,” he said.
According to him, law enforcement teams are utilizing advanced tools and detailed intelligence for crime mapping to support the ongoing rescue operations.
“We have well-formatted crime mapping sketches aiding ongoing law enforcement efforts being mustered in the rescue efforts,” he added.
The Commissioner emphasized that this unfortunate event should not erode public confidence in the state’s security personnel.
“Guarantees are herewith given that this singular incident should not orchestrate any mistrust between the Bayelsa Public and security forces within the state.
“The support of Sen. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State and the good people of the state, have enhanced our capacity and determination to ensure that the Justice is rescued unhurt,” he stated.
He further noted that the police command has heightened security operations and reinforced its law enforcement strategies to resolve the situation swiftly.
“At this point, it is also essential to appeal to members of the public to desist from any attempt to obstruct or hinder ongoing measures put in place for the rescue of the Hon. Justice.
“We call on your support and understanding in this regard, please,” he concluded.
