President
Muhammadu Buhari pledged that the 21 girls would be given adequate and
comprehensive medical, nutritional and psychological care and support.
On Wednesday met with the
21 Chibok girls recently released by Boko Haram after over two years in
captivity.
Addressing the girls at the
Presidential Villa, President Buhari acknowledged the hard times the girls
faced throughout their period in captivity.
He said it was a happy
moment for him, Nigerians and the parents of the girls taken from their
school’s dormitory in Chibok, a community in Borno State on April 14, 2014.
“My dear children. This is
a happy moment for me and for all Nigerians. I welcome you back to freedom. It
is a moment your parents, the Nation and the International Community have been
eagerly waiting for, since your abduction on 14th April 2014.
“We must from the onset,
thank Almighty God for this day that 21 of the Chibok girls have again breathed
the air of freedom and are reunited with their parents.
“We are equally prayerful,
that God in his infinite mercies and benevolence, will see to it that the girls
remaining in captivity will be freed and returned to us soonest,” President
Buhari stated.
On that night, 276 young
female Nigerian students were abducted from the Government Secondary School in
Chibok by Boko Haram.
Fortunately, 57 of the
kidnapped school girls were able to escape, leaving 219 in captivity.
The abduction triggered
global protests, popularising a slogan – Bring Back Our Girls.
However, in May 2016,
glimpse of hope of the rescue rekindled when one of the abducted girls, Amina
Ali, was found.
On Thursday, October 13, 21
of the girls were released, a development that has been described as a
surprise.
A happy President Buhari
said that the release of these 21 girls followed series of negotiations between
Government and the Boko Haram group, brokered by friends of the Nigerian
government, both local and International.
Quick Reintegration
He said: “Since this
Administration assumed office, we have been working towards the safe release of
the girls.
“The Nigerian DSS, Military
and other Security Agencies have spared no effort to secure our girls. These 21
girls are the manifestation of our doggedness and commitments to the release
and return of the Chibok girls.
“While joining their
parents to rejoice and praise the Almighty, we shall redouble efforts to ensure
that we fulfill our pledge of bringing the remaining girls back home.
“Already, the credible
first step has been taken and Government will sustain the effort until all the
remaining girls return safely”.
“The Federal Government
will rehabilitate them, and ensure that their reintegration back to the Society
is done as quickly as possible.
“Aside from rescuing them,
we are assuming the responsibility for their personal, educational and
professional goals and ambitions in life. Obviously, it is not late for the
girls to go back to school and continue the pursuit of their studies.
“These dear daughters of
ours have seen the worst that the world has to offer. It is now time for them
to experience the best that the world can do for them. The Government and all
Nigerians must encourage them to achieve their desired ambitions.
“The Federal Government
appreciates the patience and understanding of the parents of all the abducted
Chibok girls. We equally thank Nigerians and the International Community for
their support and prayers, and for never losing confidence in our ability to
secure the safe release of our girls,” he stated.
The president also
congratulated the 21 released girls, their parents, the Chibok Community the
security agencies and all Nigerians on a day he referred to as a day of delight
and rejoicing.
On Sunday, a thanksgiving
service was held for the girls where they also reunited with their parents.
Speaking at the church
service held in Abuja, the Minister of Information Mr Lai Mohammed, announced
that “the Federal Government is negotiating with Boko Haram for the release of
the remaining Chibok Girls”.
more should be release
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