Bayelsa Elders Council Condemn the Abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Godein

By Toyyib Omowale

The Bayelsa State Elders Council has strongly condemned the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Godein Umukoro, describing the incident as a grave embarrassment to the state government, the judiciary, and security institutions.

Justice Umukoro was reportedly kidnapped by unknown gunmen dressed in police uniforms on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at about 7:45 p.m., at Kilimanjaro Fast Food, opposite Ekeki Motor Park in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

In a statement jointly signed by Elder Zee Debekeme, its Vice Chairman, and Chief Douyi Duglas-Naingba, General Secretary Council said the abduction of a sitting judge a member of the third arm of government was not only criminal but also appeared to be a targeted attempt to intimidate members of the Bench and obstruct the judicial process.

The Council called on the kidnappers to immediately and unconditionally release Justice Umukoro, noting that his continued captivity has caused deep anguish for his family, colleagues in the judiciary, and the public at large.

While the motive for the abduction and the identities of the perpetrators remain unknown, the Elders Council appealed to members of the public with any useful information to assist security agencies in their efforts to track down those responsible.

The statement also appreciated the efforts of the Bayelsa State Government, the Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association, and state security agencies in responding to the incident and urged continued collaboration to ensure Justice Umukoro's safe return.

Comments

BREAKING: Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation Awards Scholarships Worth ₦749m To 101 Prospective Students At Hensard University

The Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation has announced the recipients of its prestigious scholarship program, awarding full tuition to 101 deserving students to attend Hensard University in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State. The total value of the scholarships is a substantial ₦749,000,000, covering tuition fees across a diverse range of academic disciplines. The scholarship program, a key initiative of the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, aims to provide access to quality education for bright and promising students, particularly those from Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta region. The successful candidates were selected after a rigorous examination process. The beneficiaries will be pursuing various courses at Hensard University, including high-demand fields such as Medicine and Surgery, Law, Pharmacy, Nursing, Engineering, and Film & Multimedia Studies. The list of successful candidates, including their names, gender, course of study, state of origin, and local government ar...

STAKEHOLDERS URGE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL INJUSTICE IN THE NIGER-DELTA

By Toyyib Omowale Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region have called on the Federal Government to accord the oil-rich region the recognition and development it rightfully deserves, as the major contributor to the nation’s wealth. The call was made during the AFREXTRACT Town-hall Meeting convened by the Centre for Niger Delta Studies and Sustainability, Federal University Otuoke, in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. The event, themed “Entanglements with Oil Extraction in the Niger Delta: Daily Realities of Living with Oil and Coping Mechanisms for Oil Spills and Gas Flaring,” brought together traditional rulers, academics, civil society organizations, and community leaders to deliberate on the environmental and socio-economic challenges confronting the region. In his remarks, King Bubraye Dakolo, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, expressed delight that such a f...

Reasons why Political Actors Detract from Senator Dickson

By Gabriel Ukuta In a political terrain that is often characterized by lofty promises, unfulfilled pledges, and leaders who drift away from their people once elected into office. Senator Henry Seriake Dickson in the midst of this familiar pattern, has carved out a reputation that sets him apart: he is a promise-keeper, a leader who matches words with action, and a representative deeply rooted in the lives of his people. This unique approach to politics is precisely why certain political actors in Bayelsa West often attempt to detract from his leadership. His style of governance and representation is not built on empty slogans but on visible results, loyalty to his people, and consistency in fulfilling his commitments. Such authenticity in leadership naturally unsettles those whose politics thrives on deception and opportunism. At the National Assembly, Senator Dickson has continued to distinguish himself. His voice is firm and consistent on issues that concern not only Baye...

BAYELSA NEWS ONLINE

Search This Blog