Justice Umukoro, a serving judge of the Bayelsa State High Court, was released on Thursday evening after spending 12 harrowing days in captivity. His freedom followed a coordinated operation by security personnel acting on the directive of Governor Diri.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor expressed profound gratitude to the various security agencies, particularly operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), for what he described as “tireless efforts and unrelenting pressure” that eventually compelled the abductors to release the judge.
“Bayelsa is not a haven for criminals. The combined efforts of our security men have once again proven that our state remains committed to peace, law, and order,” Diri said.
He assured residents that the fleeing abductors would be tracked down and brought to justice, reiterating his administration’s zero tolerance for crime and violence.
