Bandits abducts Judge, four children, kill first son in Kaduna

Bandits have murdered the eldest son of Janet Galadima, a judge of the Kaduna State Customary Court, in a tragic turn of events.

They are also demanding a ransom of N300 million in exchange for the release of the judge and her three other children. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Gloria Ballason, the Chief Executive Officer of the House of Justice, disclosed that the abduction occurred on Sunday night.

During the attack, Judge Galadima’s husband, a medical doctor, was away on duty. The bandits, reported to be around 15 in number, stormed the judge’s home and took her and her children captive, demanding a substantial ransom.

Ballason revealed the tragic news that on July 2, 2024, the bandits shot the judge’s 14-year-old son, Victor, after the family failed to secure the ransom. She condemned the attack, emphasizing that it violated Article 7 of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary and sections of the Nigerian Constitution that guarantee the safety of judges.

“The murder of Victor is a grisly and blood-curdling act,” Ballason stated. “No parent deserves the horror of watching their child being killed in such a cold, callous manner.” She called on Nigerian security agencies, the Governor of Kaduna State, the Nigeria Bar Association, and the judiciary to act swiftly to protect Judge Galadima and her remaining children and ensure justice is served.

The Kaduna State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), through its Public Relations Officer Dr. Shuaibu Joga, expressed shock and grief over the incident. Dr. Joga reported that the bandits initially demanded N300 million, later reducing it to N298 million. Despite ongoing negotiations and the involvement of security agencies, the eldest son’s murder underscored the severity of the situation.

Dr. Joga urged for an emergency SEC meeting and a press conference to expedite action for the immediate release of Judge Galadima and her children, as well as another doctor kidnapped six 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,” he added.

A family source detailed the timeline of the kidnapping, explaining that the incident occurred on June 23, 2024, when Judge Galadima and her children were abducted from their home in Kaduna while her husband was on an official assignment in Kano. Despite efforts to raise the ransom, Dr. Musa Gimba Dutse, a civil servant and the judge’s husband, has been unable to meet the kidnappers’ demands. The source expressed growing fear for the safety of Judge Galadima and her three remaining children as the bandits continue to threaten more violence.

Despite awareness and efforts by the Kaduna State government, security agencies, the Nigeria Medical Association, and the Nigerian Bar Association, no significant progress has been made in securing their release. The family has made a public plea for help, hoping to raise awareness and gather the necessary support to rescue their loved ones.

As of now, there has been no official statement from the Kaduna State government or the police. Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, have been unsuccessful.

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region and the urgent need for decisive action to protect vulnerable citizens and uphold justice.