By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, has said the judiciary is determined to get to the root causes of the recent abduction of Justice E.G. Umukoro and ensure that judicial officers across the state are better protected from such threats in the future.
Justice Ayemieye gave this assurance following the rescue of Justice Umukoro, who was kidnapped on Saturday, June 21, by gunmen at a popular eatery in Yenagoa and held in captivity for nearly two weeks before his release on Thursday, July 3.
In a statement issued through the Head of Media and Information, Mr. Julius Lambert Nyananyo, the Chief Judge confirmed that Justice Umukoro is now receiving medical and psychological care and has requested privacy during his recovery.
She described the incident as a wake-up call for justice institutions and law enforcement agencies to address deeper security challenges threatening the judiciary.
“We remain committed to identifying and addressing the root causes of these incidents,” Justice Ayemieye said. “The safety of all judicial officers in Bayelsa State is a top priority, and we will continue to work with relevant authorities to secure that safety.”
She extended appreciation to all who contributed to the rescue operation, including Governor Douye Diri, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the National Judicial Council, security agencies, community leaders, and the Nigerian Bar Association led by Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN).
“The operations that led to the rescue of Hon. Justice Umukoro underscore the power of collaboration, patience, and professionalism in resolving such delicate situations,” she said.
Justice Ayemieye specifically praised the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and others who played key roles in securing the judge’s safe return, calling the outcome a testament to unified action.
Justice Umukoro’s abduction had sparked concern within legal circles, with many warning that judicial officers must not be made targets in a society governed by the rule of law. The judiciary in Bayelsa now says it will do everything in its power to ensure this remains an isolated case.