By Frank Kamuntu
Justice Joy Uwanna, a distinguished high court judge in Nigeria, was kidnapped while returning from a court session on Monday night in southern Akwa Ibom state.
The incident occurred along Uyo-Okoboin in Oron town, where unidentified gunmen ambushed the judge’s vehicle.
Tragically, the assailants not only kidnapped Justice Uwanna but also fatally shot her police guard during the abduction. The incident unfolded as the gunmen opened fire, targeting the judge’s security detail before swiftly taking Justice Uwanna and her driver away.
Our Correspondent learnt the gunmen ambushed the Judge along the Uyo-Okobo Road and fatally shot at her SUV, killing the Police orderly instantly before whisking away Justice Unwana and her driver to unknown destination on Monday.
The chairman of the Oron Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Torosco Enyene, Esq, who confirmed the incident to our Correspondent on Tuesday, said the Judge was seized along Okobo LGA axis of the State on her away to Uyo, shortly after rising from a Court session in Oron.
He disclosed that members of the association have scheduled a meeting on the development with the State Commissioner of Police and DSS on Wednesday.
“Yes, the Judge in Oron was kidnapped on Monday on her way back to Uyo, after a Court sitting. On Wednesday, we are moving down to Uyo to meet with the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olatoye Durusinmi, and the Director of Department of State Services (DSS) on the issue,” he said.
The police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom state, Odiko Macdon, termed the incident as “unfortunate” and confirmed that security forces are actively investigating the matter.
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction. However, it’s noteworthy that criminal gangs frequently engage in abductions for ransom in certain regions of Nigeria.
The abduction of Justice Joy Uwanna highlights the ongoing security challenges in the country, prompting intensified efforts by law enforcement agencies to address and prevent such incidents.
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