The Christian Association of Nigeria has demanded the intensified effort, and decisive action of the Federal Government to ensure the rescue of the remaining Chibok girls.
April 10, 2024, would mark 10 years since 276 girls of the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, a community in Borno State, were abducted by the Boko Haram terrorist group on the same date in 2014, during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
In an October 2022 status report by the BringBackOurGirls campaign group, of the 276 kidnapped girls, 57 escaped captivity after jumping from the trucks on which they were being transported.
About 107 of the girls were later released, 16 were rescued by the military, and 96 were reportedly still missing.
However, the leader of the Chibok Parents Association, Yakubu Nkeki, had told our correspondents that 138 of the girls had been rescued or released, while 82 of them were still in captivity.
In a statement signed by CAN’s National Director for Education, Youth and Women Development, Rev Ozumba Nicodemus, the Association highlighted the pain and anguish experienced by the parents of the abducted girls.
The statement partly read, “The case of the Chibok girls cannot be swept under the carpet, as it represents a horrific tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the nation’s conscience. The trauma experienced by the 276 abducted girls from Nigeria is unimaginable.
“The pain and anguish felt by their parents, who have endured sleepless nights filled with hopelessness, are deeply felt by CAN. We cannot remain silent while their children remain in captivity, yearning for freedom and reunion with their families.
“CAN hereby reiterate its unwavering demand for the government to intensify efforts and take decisive action to rescue the remaining children still held hostage. This is not only a matter of national importance but also a test of our commitment to upholding the rights and safety of our citizens, particularly the most vulnerable among us.”
Nicodemus further implored the international community, humanitarian organisations, and well-meaning individuals to join CAN in advocating for the release of the girls.
“Together, we can amplify our voices and exert greater pressure on the abductors to bring an end to this prolonged ordeal,” the statement added.
89 in captivity – Borno
Meanwhile, 89 of the 276 school girls abducted from Chibok, Borno State, by Boko Haram insurgents on April 14, 2014, are still in the captivity of their abductors.
The state Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, made this disclosure at a press conference commemorating the 10th anniversary of the abduction in Maiduguri, Saturday, April 13.
“So far, 187 of the 276 abducted Chibok girls have been rescued and reunited with their families; 89 are still missing,” Tar announced.
He said the 187 rescued over the last 10 years include the 57 that eloped from their abductors on the day of abduction a d the 108 rescued by security agencies.
“Most of the rescued 187 have been enrolled in different schools and capacity-building programmes within the country, while many have even graduated,” the commissioner revealed further.
He would, however, not mention the number of those who graduated, but also said under a programme by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, a number of the rescued girls have been enrolled for local and scholarship programmes.
“We remain hopeful and determined that with the combined efforts of the security forces, intelligence agencies and communities, all the remaining girls still in captivity will soon be returned back home,” Tar assured.
He said the 10th anniversary would not be for celebration but for commemoration and reflection.
“With about 100 still in captivity, I can say that we are still in mourning period, and we still in prayer session in Mosques and Churches for their rescue,” the commissioner stated.