Panic As Gunmen Strike, Kidnap Akwa Ibom Judge And Her Driver, Kill Police Escort

Justice Joy Uwanna, an Akwa Ibom State High Court Judge, and her driver, have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

The gunmen ended up killing her police escort in the process.

It was gathered that the gunmen posed as vigilantes on the Uyo-Okobo road on Monday night, and blocked the road to prevent Justice Uwanna who was returning from a court sitting in Oron.

The gunmen were said to have opened fire and shot the policeman attached to the judge on the head and body. They were said to have whisked the judge and her driver away, and abandoned the slain policeman in the pool of blood.

The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Oron branch, Torosco Eyene esq, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday in Uyo, said the judge was kidnapped along Okobo axis on her away back to Uyo after a  court sitting.

Eyene said members of the NBA have scheduled a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and State Security Service tomorrow (Wednesday).

“Yes, the sitting judge in Oron was kidnapped yesterday (Monday) on her way back to Uyo after court sitting. By tomorrow, Wednesday, we are moving down to Uyo to meet with the Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durusinmi and the DSS on the issue,” he said.

When the Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, SP Odiko Macdon was contacted, he described the incident as unfortunate, adding that the CP had ordered a discreet investigation into the matter.

“It’s very unfortunate that a judge who presides over high court has been kidnapped. The command under the CP, Olatoye Durosinmi has ordered a discreet investigation. As we speak, no stone will be left unturned, resources will be harness to ensure that her lordship is reunited to her family any moment from now.

“I have spoken with the family of the deceased officer who, until his death was an orderly to the judge. Justice will be served and the perpetrators will be brought to book,” he stated.