Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, has reunited the rescued kidnapped children of Kaduna Judge Janet Gimba with their family.
On June 23, the bandits raided the judge’s home and kidnapped her and her four children.
The gunmen liberated her on Sunday and wanted a ransom of N150 million for the freedom of her children, citing a three-day deadline.
However, in a statement released on Wednesday, the judge’s husband, Dr. Musa Gimba, said he was reunited with his three rescued children on Tuesday.
He revealed that his eldest child was killed before his wife was released.
Gimba stated that his children were rescued after a “successfully conducted rescue operation by security forces’’.
He said, “On behalf of my family, I wish to issue this statement to inform the public that yesterday, the 9th day of July 2024, my wife and I were reunited with our three surviving boys.
“As you may recall, rather tragically, during the ordeal that commenced with their abduction on the 23rd of June, 2024, the first of our children was killed by the kidnappers before the mother was released to secure a ransom of N150 million.
“However, security forces, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and bravery, successfully conducted the rescue operation. Thanks to the meticulous planning and coordination led by the Office of the National Security Adviser, our three surviving children are now free.
“While we still earnestly grieve the death of our eldest son, whose life was cut short before his prime, we thank God for the opportunity he has given us to be reunited with our surviving children.
“We want to use this medium to bring some sort of closure to this harrowing and unforgettable experience that we do not wish on anyone. We also want to use this opportunity to thank all those who, one way or another, were instrumental in bringing us to this point. Of specific mention are the following groups and persons:
He thanked the NSA’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, for his efforts to ensure his children’s rescue.
Gimba added, “The NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, and his office, for their unrelenting efforts in bringing this day to a reality. The office of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for his involvement and tireless effort on this matter. The Kaduna State Government.
“The security forces, including but not limited to the Nigerian Army Garrison Commander in Kaduna State, the Department of Security Services, Kaduna State, the Nigerian Police Force, Kaduna State Command, Military Intelligence, and the National Intelligence Agency, for the various roles that they played.
“Professional bodies, NGOs, and religious bodies, including, but not limited to, the NMA, NARD, NBA, Kaduna Branch, the press, and the social media community, among others.”
