Terrorists who abducted a female judge from Kaduna, along with her children, have killed her eldest son and threatened to kill the remaining children if their ransom demands are not met.
Gloria Mabeiam Ballason, Esq., Chief Executive Officer of the House of Justice, condemned the abduction of Customary Court Judge HW Janet Galadima and the murder of her 14-year-old son.
She revealed that the abduction occurred on Sunday, June 23, 2024, while Janet Galadima, her four sons, and her medical doctor husband were at their residence in Kaduna State.
Ballason stated, “The abductors, reported to be around fifteen in number, took their captives and demanded a huge sum as ransom.
On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the terrorists shot dead the Judge’s 14-year-old son when the ransom demanded could not be obtained.”
She emphasized the need for protection and security for judicial officers, as mandated by Article 7 of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary and Section 33 and 14(2)b of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Ballason described the murder of Victor, the Judge’s son, as “grisly and blood-curdling,” asserting that no parent should endure such a horrific loss.
Ballason called on Nigerian security agencies, the Governor of Kaduna State, the Nigeria Bar Association, and the judiciary to act urgently to ensure the safety of Judge Janet Galadima and her remaining children and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Kaduna State Police spokesperson has not yet responded to inquiries about the incident.
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Kaduna State chapter also expressed shock over the events. Dr. Shuaibu Joga, the NMA PRO, stated that the association was aware of the kidnapping and the N300 million ransom demand.
He revealed that negotiations were ongoing when the tragic news of the eldest son’s murder was received.
Dr. Joga added, “We are calling for an emergency SEC meeting and a press conference to urge authorities to expedite the release of Judge Galadima and her children, as well as another doctor who was kidnapped six months ago.”
A family source pleaded for assistance in spreading the information, hoping it would reach someone who could intervene.
The source reiterated the family’s dire situation, noting that despite being aware of the abduction, efforts by the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, and the Nigeria Medical and Bar Associations had not yielded results.
The source said, “Dr. Musa Gimba Dutse, a civil servant with the state primary healthcare board, and his wife Janet, a magistrate, do not have the funds to meet the ransom demand.
The kidnappers are still demanding N298 million and threatening further violence.
We humbly request you share this sad story to raise awareness and possibly get the help Dr. Musa needs to secure his family’s release.”
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