Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has issued a firm directive to the state’s security commanders to ensure the immediate and safe release of Justice Ebieyerin Omukoro, a judge of the Bayelsa State High Court, who was abducted by gunmen in Yenagoa over the weekend.
Speaking during his ongoing “thank-you tour” to Sagbama Local Government Area on Monday, Governor Diri expressed deep concern over the high-profile abduction and vowed that the perpetrators would be tracked down and brought to justice.
“From the moment I was informed of the kidnap of our Honourable Judge, I summoned a meeting with security commanders and directed them to ensure that Justice Omukoro is rescued alive and unharmed,” Diri said.
He disclosed that the state’s security surveillance infrastructure, including recently installed CCTV cameras, had already captured footage of the kidnappers, adding that investigations were underway to uncover their identities.
“You cannot terrorise your own people. Let those involved in this criminal act and their sponsors know there is no hiding place for them anymore,” he warned. “The government has invested heavily in the security sector, and our surveillance technology is already yielding results.”
‘Kano Votes’: Sagbama’s Unflinching Support for PDP
Governor Diri also used the occasion to appreciate the people of Sagbama for their overwhelming support during the November 11, 2023 governorship election, referring to the area’s strong backing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a decisive factor in his re-election.
“We are here to say thank you for the block votes Sagbama delivered to us. Your support gave us a renewed mandate for the Prosperity Government,” he said.
His deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who hails from Sagbama, described the LGA as the political heartbeat of Bayelsa, referring to its electoral contribution as “Kano votes” — a nod to the consistently high turnout reminiscent of Nigeria’s vote-heavy northern state.
“Sagbama is the headquarters of the PDP in Bayelsa. In both 2019 and 2023, the governor got the highest number of votes here. That loyalty will never be forgotten,” the deputy governor said.
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He thanked former governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Chief Seriake Dickson, for backing Diri as his successor, calling it a “wise and rewarding political decision.”
Lawmakers Laud Projects, Call for NDDC Intervention
Members of the National and State Assemblies from Sagbama and Ekeremor federal constituency commended Diri’s administration for sustaining infrastructure development across the senatorial district, especially the Sagbama-Ekeremor road project.
They appealed to the state government to pressure the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) into completing the long-abandoned Abuetor–Elemibiri–Asamabiri road, which was awarded more than 25 years ago.
Among those who gave goodwill messages were:
Hon. Dr. Fred Agbedi (House of Representatives), Hon. Dr. Godbless Oyinke (Sagbama Constituency I), Hon. Lt. Col. Bernard Kenebai (rtd) (Constituency II), and Hon. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown (Constituency III).
Royal Honours
Governor Diri and his entourage were later received at the palace of the Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom, King Boloyi Sufadoh. The monarch presented the governor and his deputy with traditional regalia, including walking sticks, hats, and copies of the Holy Bible, in a show of royal blessings and solidarity.
As the state intensifies efforts to rescue Justice Omukoro, residents await the outcome of investigations that may not only free the judge but also unravel the broader network behind criminal activities in Bayelsa.