In a tragic turn of events, bandits have kidnapped Janet Galadima, a judge of the Upper Customary Court, Sabon Tasha Division in Kaduna State, along with her four children.
The incident was confirmed by Mansir Hassan, the spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command.
The abduction occurred at their residence in the Mahuta area of Chikun Local Government, on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis, on June 24, 2024.
According to Hassan, the bandits later killed the judge’s 14-year-old eldest son, Victor Galadima. His body was discovered by police operatives from the Sabon Tasha Division at Ungwan Bayero in Dutse village, near the toll gate along the Kaduna-Abuja Highway, on July 2, 2024.
The police spokesman assured that the Command’s anti-kidnapping squad, in collaboration with other security agencies, is working tirelessly to rescue the abducted judge and her remaining three children, and to apprehend the bandits responsible.
Outrage and Calls for Action
Human rights activist and CEO of the House of Justice, Barrister Gloria Ballason, condemned the killing of the judge’s son, explaining that it occurred after the family failed to meet the ransom demands.
She emphasized that the abduction and murder violate Article 7 of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary and Sections 33 and 14(2)b of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the safety of judicial officers.
Ballason described the murder as “horrible and blood-curdling” and called on security agencies and the Kaduna State government to expedite the rescue of the judge and her children.
The Kaduna State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) also condemned the incident.
In a statement by NMA Public Relations Officer Shuaibu Joga, the association expressed outrage over the N300 million ransom demanded by the bandits.
Joga confirmed that security agencies have been notified and that negotiations with the kidnappers are ongoing.
Ongoing Efforts
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the safe rescue of Janet Galadima and her three children. The police and security forces continue their efforts to track down the kidnappers and bring them to justice. The community, along with various organizations, is urging swift action to ensure the safety of the abducted individuals and to prevent such incidents in the future.