Kidnapped Bayelsa Justice Regains Freedom, Expresses Appreciation To Everyone. —-As Gov.Diri Lauds Security Agencies. By Chris Mark

Kidnapped Bayelsa Justice Regains Freedom, Expresses Appreciation To Everyone.

—-As Gov.Diri Lauds Security Agencies

Speaking in Yenagoa on Thursday evening after regaining his freedom, Justice Ebieyerin Omukoro said he was becoming confused in the kidnapper’s den. “I was confused in the kidnappers’ den. I was beginning to get confused. I still could not come to terms with the fact that I was kidnapped and kept in the forest and exposed to cold. I thank God I was rescued alive.

Clad in a grey colour sweater, looked tired, he expressed appreciation to everyone who participated in his rescue efforts, describing the last 13 days as “confusing”

“I cannot thank God enough. It will always be an unforgettable experience for me. I thank God I came out unhurt

“The kidnappers told me I should have fallen critically ill. I was subjected to cold. I prayed to God that if I come out, I will testify to His goodness.”

Though he was released from the kidnappers’ den without payment of ransom, his abductors had last Saturday demanded N300 million in foreign currency for his release.

The release of the judge followed days of joint police tactical operations led by the Commander of the Operation Puff Adder, CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
It was also gathered that a few of the suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction were identified and traced to the Ekeremor axis of the state, where the abducted Judge hails from.

According to security sources, some of the victim’s relatives reached out to families of his abductors and threatened fire and brimstone if he is not released with immediate effect.

But the State Director of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi and the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, announced on Thursday night that the abducted Judge was released without ransom and rescued unhurt.

Meanwhile Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has commended security agencies in the state for the rescue of Justice Ebieyerin Umokoro from his abductors.

A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, informed that security men went on the trail of his abductors following a directive by Governor Diri that he be rescued unhurt.

The Bayelsa governor praised the combined effort of the security agencies, particularly men of the Department of State Services (DSS), for their unrelenting pressure on the kidnappers that eventually led to his freedom.

He said the criminals, who fled due to the pressure, would be arrested and be brought to justice.

While assuring residents of the state of their safety and security, Governor Diri restated his warning to criminally-minded individuals to steer clear of Bayelsa as his administration had invested much resources to guarantee peace and security of the state.

He also said the security agencies will continue to be supported by the administration to carry out their responsibility.

The governor called for greater support and cooperation from the people while assuring them that their security was a priority of the administration.