By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa, have handed over the three boys rescued from their captors to the parents Dr. and Mrs. Musa Gimba, in Abuja.
A statement by Dr. Musa Gimba, expressed happiness for the reunion after days and weeks of harrowing and tragic experience and applauded the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), for facilitating the rescue of his children and the reunion. He also grieved over his first son who was murdered by the kidnappers, while in captivity.
Gimba said: “On behalf of my family, I wish to inform the public through this statement 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, Gimba thanked God for the opportunity he has given them to be reunited with their surviving children.
According to him, “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 the other, were instrumental in bringing us to this point”.
Of specific mention, he said are 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 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, amongst several others.
In conclusion, he prayed God to protect citizens, from the whims of evil and wicked people, and may He also reward everyone, who showered them selfless sacrifices and love in the very difficult situation.
