A group of unknown gunmen have killed one of the children of a customary court judge they abducted in Kaduna; the kidnappers are also demanding a 300million naira ransom to release the other children who are still in their custody.
The Judge, Janet Galadima, was reportedly with her four sons at their residence in Kaduna State, while her medical doctor husband was away on duty, on the night of Sunday 23 June 2024 when the abduction occurred.
“The wife and 4 children of Dr. Musa Gimba Dutse were kidnapped on 23/06/24 from his residence in Kaduna while he was away in Kano for an official assignment.
“Security agencies were duly informed after the incident with kidnappers initially demanding ₦300 million (they reduced it to ₦298 million) to secure their release. While negotiations were ongoing, the kidnappers murdered Dr. Musa’s eldest son Victor (14yrs) on July 2, 2024, to force payment of the ransom,” a source close to the family said.
Reacting to the unfortunate development, the Chief Executive Officer of the House of Justice, Gloria Mabeiam Ballason Esq., in a statement, “condemned the abduction of a Customary Court Judge, HW Janet Galadima, and her four children as well as the grisly murder of her 14-year-old son by the terrorists.”
“The abductors reported to have been about fifteen, took their captives hostage and demanded a huge sum as ransom. On Tuesday 2 July 2024, the terrorists shot dead the 14-year first son of the Judge when the ransom demanded could not be obtained,” she said.
She described the mother of the teenager as “grisly and blood-curdling”, adding that no parent deserves to witness the death of their child in such a horrific manner.
She, therefore, called on all relevant stakeholders, including the state governor, Uba Sani, to deploy all necessary resources to make sure the children are rescued, and justice is served.
Also reacting, the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Dr Shuaibu Joga, condemned the development and urged the security agencies to rise to the occasion.
“Following the incident, we visited the husband and interacted with him, and he informed us that the kidnappers had made a demand of ₦300 million to secure their release. While the security agencies had been informed and negotiations with the kidnappers were ongoing, we received the shocking news today that the first son was killed to force payment of the said sum
“In response, we are calling for an emergency SEC meeting today and a press conference to further call on the authorities to expedite action on securing their immediate release and also the release of our other doctor kidnapped 6 months ago.
“We call for calm from members and request all to stay safe while we engage the necessary security organs to end this needless wanton evil.”
