Gunmen Abduct High Court Judge In Bayelsa

Justice Ebitimi Gabriel Umokoro, a serving judge of Yenagoa High Court 7, was abducted by gunmen in Bayelsa State on Saturday evening, in what appears to be a targeted attack.

According to The Sun, the incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. in front of Kilimanjaro Eatery, a popular restaurant located in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, the state capital.

According to multiple eyewitnesses, the armed men attempted to shoot the judge but missed, after which they forcibly dragged him into a waiting vehicle and fled the scene at high speed.

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Panic immediately spread through the vicinity, with residents and patrons of nearby businesses fleeing in fear as gunshots were reportedly heard during the abduction.

The gunmen’s bold attack in a busy commercial area has raised serious concerns about security in the state capital.

Local authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the abduction, but police sources confirm that an investigation has been launched.

A coordinated manhunt is reportedly underway to rescue Justice Umokoro and apprehend the culprits.

Justice Umokoro is a well-respected judicial officer and has served in various capacities within the Bayelsa State judiciary.

His abduction has sent shockwaves through the legal community, with colleagues and legal associations calling for immediate action by security agencies to ensure his safe return.

The motive behind the kidnapping remains unclear, but observers fear it could be linked to rising insecurity and the growing trend of targeted attacks on public officials in parts of the Niger Delta.

As of the time of this report, no group has claimed responsibility, and the abductors have not made contact or issued any ransom demand.