Customary Court Judge’s Abducted Children Freed After 15 Days, Eldest Son Killed By Bandits
In a bittersweet development, the three kidnapped children of Kaduna State Customary Court Judge Janet Gimba have been released by bandits after spending 15 harrowing days in captivity.
The release comes in the wake of the tragic killing of the judge’s 14-year-old eldest son, Victor, after the family was unable to meet the bandits’ exorbitant ransom demand of N300 million.
Photos of the reunited children with National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja were shared on social media by Musa Gimba and Sixtus Omokhagbor.
The Chairman of the Kaduna Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Godwin Ochai, confirmed the release on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, expressing gratitude to God and all those who supported the family during this trying time.
The ordeal began on Sunday, June 30, 2024, when the judge and her four children were abducted by approximately 15 bandits, as reported by human rights lawyer and Chief Executive Officer of the House of Justice, Gloria Ballason.
Tragically, the bandits shot and killed Victor on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, when the demanded ransom could not be paid. His body was later discovered by police operatives at Ungwan Bayero, Duste village along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.
A family source revealed that the three surviving siblings are currently unaware of their brother’s tragic fate. The Kaduna State Police Command spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, ASP, confirmed the recovery of Victor’s remains.
