Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Francis Alonyenu has assured of the Command’s strong commitment to rescuing Justice E.G. Umokoro, a State High Court judge who was abducted in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Justice Umokoro was abducted by gunmen on Saturday night around 7pm, right in front of a popular restaurant located opposite Ekeki Park in Yenagoa, where he parked to buy bread with his two daughters.
In a statement on Sunday night, CP Idu said police efforts and resolve have been intensified to ensure the judge is safely rescued.
Idu added that the police was working closely with other security agencies, and as well reviewing video footage and other digital evidence related to the abduction.
He said police have detailed crime maps to help in the rescue operation and assured the public that the incident should not affect the trust between the people and security agencies in the state.
He said, “On the 21st of June, 2025, at about 19:45 pm, a disturbing incident occurred at Kilimanjaro eateries located opposite the Ekeki Motor Park in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State where Hon. Justice E.G. Umokoro, was forcefully abducted from his vehicle.
“Public concerns expressed, at the mode of dressing of the hoodlums, are noted as necessary guide in our ongoing law enforcement action.
“His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, has equally directed all security agencies to redouble efforts to locate, rescue and deal decisively with the hoodlums behind the abduction of the Rt. Hon. Judge.
“The Bayelsa Police Command is fussing efforts with other security agencies and reviewing video clips, with other digital footages, related to the event. We have well formatted crime mapping sketches that is aiding ongoing law enforcement efforts being mustered in the rescue efforts.”
He added that this singular incident should not orchestrate any mistrust between the public and security forces within the state.
The CP stressed that the support of Governor Diri and people of the state have enhanced police capacity and determination to ensure the rescue of the abducted judge unhurt.
“Security measures are being upscaled, to drive our law and order management strategies, to find foreclosure to this incident. At this point, it is also important 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”, CP Idu stated.
