The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has successfully reunited the three kidnapped children of Kaduna Judge Janet Gimba with their parents. The children, abducted on June 23, were rescued by security operatives on Tuesday, July 9.
In a brief ceremony on Wednesday morning, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa, formally returned the children to their relieved parents.
Dr. Musa Dutse Gimba, the father, expressed heartfelt gratitude in a letter personally signed and addressed to ONSA, the military, police, and all involved security agencies. Dr. Gimba thanked them for their unwavering efforts that ensured the safe rescue of his children. He acknowledged the tragic loss of their eldest son during the ordeal and praised the professionalism and bravery displayed by the security forces in conducting the rescue operation.
The letter, made public by ONSA’s head of strategic communications Zakari Minjiyawa, reads in part:
“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 3 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.”
Dr. Gimba also extended gratitude to various groups and individuals who supported the family during the difficult period, including the Kaduna State Government, security forces, professional bodies, NGOs, religious bodies, universities, friends, and well-wishers both locally and internationally.
The family concluded with a prayer for protection against evil and a blessing for those who showed selfless sacrifice and love during their ordeal.
