The abduction and eventual release of Justice Ebiyerin Umukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court have once again thrown a harsh spotlight on the recent security challenges facing the oil rich state.
Umukoro’s safe return to his family after 12 harrowing days in captivity is a welcome development. But it must not end there. It is imperative that the perpetrators of the heinous crime are apprehended, prosecuted, and brought to justice, not only for the sake of the judge, but to restore the confidence of residents that the state is still safe to live in.
The respected jurist was kidnapped at a popular eatery in the Ekeki area of the state capital, Yenagoa. The incident, captured in a viral video, showed the learned judge struggling bravely with his assailants, who were all dressed in black before being overpowered and forcibly taken away in an unmarked white Toyota Hilux.
The brazen act sent shockwaves across the state that is already on edge from recent violent cult clashes and increasing reports of armed robberies. It not only intensified fears among citizens but also handed opposition elements fresh reasons to unfairly criticize the government of Governor Douye Diri. The timing and nature of the abduction were a stark reminder that despite ongoing efforts, the threat of criminality remains real and present.
To his credit, Governor Diri responded swiftly, charging security agencies to ensure the safe release of the judge and the capture of those responsible. He reiterated his administration’s position that Bayelsa remains largely safe and that isolated criminal incidents should not be used to discredit the significant strides made in bolstering security. Indeed, the government has invested heavily in the area of procuring patrol vehicles, installing surveillance systems including CCTV, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration.
It is precisely because of these investments that the state cannot afford to let this case slide into oblivion. While the coordinated rescue effort by a joint task force led by the Department of State Services (DSS) deserves commendation especially for recovering Justice Umukoro without the payment of the reported ₦300 million ransom, the mission remains incomplete. The real victory will come not just from rescuing victims but from preventing such crimes in the first place.
To do that, the state must ensure that the perpetrators are hunted down and made to face the full weight of the law. Failing to do so would embolden other criminal elements who are watching keenly to see how this case unfolds. Justice must not only be done, but it must also be seen to be done.
Arresting and prosecuting the kidnappers will serve several critical purposes. First, it will send a clear and powerful message to other would-be criminals that the state will not tolerate impunity. Second, it will restore confidence among residents and visitors, many of whom now live with a heightened sense of insecurity. Third, and perhaps most importantly, it will reassure investors both local and international that Bayelsa remains a viable and secure destination for doing business.
The image of a state where even high-ranking judges can be kidnapped without consequence is not one that inspires investor confidence. If people entrusted with upholding the law are not safe, what hope is there for ordinary citizens? Security is the bedrock of progress, and any lapses, especially those involving high-profile targets, must be met with swift and decisive action.
Governor Diri’s administration must now double down on its promise. The security apparatus must be relentless in its search. Communities and residents must be encouraged to provide useful intelligence. There must be no hiding place for the enemies of peace and order.
Justice Umukoro’s rescue should not mark the end of this sad chapter, it should be the beginning of a broader and more determined crackdown on criminality in Bayelsa State. The abductors must be found, and they must face justice.
Only then can the state truly say it is committed to securing lives, safeguarding its future, and honouring its investment in peace.
