The Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Justice Ebiyerin who was abducted by Unknown Gunmren but released on Thursday evening after twelve days in captivity, has expressed appreciation to all that participated in his rescue efforts.
Describing the last 12 days as confusing, the abducted judge said he was confused stating that he couldn’t come to terms why he was kidnapped.
He described the twelve days in the his abductors camp as unforgettable thanking God that he came out alive.
He said:” I was becoming confused in the kidnappers den. 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.
“The kidnappers told me that I could have fallen critically ill. I was subjected to cold. I prayed to God that if I come out,I will testify to his goodness.”
“I can’t thank God enough. It will always be an unforgettable experience for me. I thank God I came out on hurt.”
It was learnt that he was released without payment of ransom although the kidnappers .were said to have demanded for the sum N300 million naira in foreign currency for his release.
It was also gathered that few of the suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction were identified and traced to the Ekeremor area of the State where the abducted Judge hails from.
Some of his relations according to security sources, reached out to the families of his abductors and threatened fire and brimestones if he is not released with immediate effects.
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 Ransome and rescued unhurt.
Speaking at the State headquarters of the DSS, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, said the rescue of Justice Umokoro was a collective effort of the security agencies, the Judiciary and the State Government.
He confirmed that that three major suspects were arrested in connection to the judge abduction and that the police has identified three key suspects who are still at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu said the joint effort of the security agencies saw to the rescue of the abducted judge.
A source within the State Police Command also disclosed that Four key suspects have been identified over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping off Justice Umukoro.
The State Commissioner of Information, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai expressed joy at the release of the abducted judge, saying the rsafe release of the judge has vindicated the State Government and affirmed the State as a safe haven.
She pointed out that despite the attempts by propagandist to rubbish the efforts of the State Government in terms of investment in security, the security agencies rose up to the occasion by ensuring that he was rescued unhurt.
“It is a triumph that the security agencies are working harmoniously with the state Government. Bayelsa has invested so much in security.”
