Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has said that his government will keep focusing on the safety and security of the people.

He shared this message on his official X page on Friday while reacting to the release of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, a judge of the Bayelsa State High Court, who was kidnapped.

The judge was freed on Thursday after being held captive for 12 days.

Justice Omukoro was taken on the evening of Saturday, June 21, 2025. He had just returned from a trip to Warri in Delta State and was abducted near Kilimanjaro Eatery, opposite Ekeki Park.

Governor Diri said he gave direct instructions for security forces to act, and thanks to the combined efforts of different security agencies, especially the Department of State Services (DSS), the kidnappers were forced to abandon their hideout.

He ordered that everyone involved in the crime must be arrested and brought to justice.

The governor expressed happiness over the judge’s safe return. He thanked God, the judge’s family, the judiciary, and members of the Bar for their patience and support.

He said his government, which is known as the “Government of Assured Prosperity,” will continue to take strong actions to make sure Bayelsa is not safe for criminals. He added that more steps are being taken to protect the lives of citizens.