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…As governor insists on continued manhunt
The release of Ebiyerin Goodness Omukoro, Bayelsa State high court judge, has elicited excitement across Ijaw ethnic nationality in Nigeria.
The national leadership of Ijaw Nation Development Group/Ijaw Peoples Assembly (INDG/IPA) says in a statement that it is impressed with the steps taken by the Bayelsa State government all through the period of incarceration of the judge.
Umukoro was abducted at the front of a supermarket in the Bayalsa State capital. Ephraim Sobere Etete-Owoh, president of the INDG/IPA, and Kemi Levi, public relations officer (PRO), issued a statement urging Gov Diri to fight harder.
Now, with the release of the judge through storming of the den of hoodlums, the Ijaw nation says the governor has acted like a hero.
The group described the action of the governor as swift, compassionate, and effective intervention that led to the safe and honorable release of Omukoro.
The statement made available to BusinessDay, the Ijaw nation stated thus: “In what was a period of considerable distress for our people, Your Excellency responded with great urgency, wisdom, and empathy—hallmarks of your leadership. Your actions have brought immense relief, restored faith in justice, and reaffirmed the confidence of the Ijaw Nation in responsive governance.
“We also offer our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated security agencies, who under your directive, operated with professionalism, courage, and strategic precision. Their tireless effort and coordinated response were vital to the success of the rescue.”
The Ijaws said the victory transcends the release of one individual; “It is a powerful affirmation that with strong leadership and committed security forces, our people are protected, our institutions respected, and our values upheld.
“We remain deeply proud to support your administration and continue to pray for divine guidance, strength, and protection for you as you lead Bayelsa State and champion the cause of the Ijaw Nation.”
Details of the release of the high court judge are still scanty but a statement by Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to Gov Diri, talked about taking the fight to the kidnappers.
The statement said Gov Diri gave marching orders to the security agencies on what to do, and has commended them for doing exactly that. The judge spent 12 days in the den.
The government statement informed that security men went on the trail of abductors following a directive by Governor Diri that he be rescued unhurt.
The Bayelsa governor thus 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, Gov 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 would continue to be supported by the administration to carry out their responsibility.
