President Bola Tinubu is urged by the Northern Elders Forum to prioritize the safe return of the 89 remaining Chibok girls who have been in captivity for a decade.
Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the Director of Publicity and Advocacy for NEF, made this plea in a recent phone interview.
The abduction took place on April 14, 2014, by Boko Haram insurgents at the Federal Government Girls College in Chibok, Borno State, during the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan. Out of the 276 abducted students, 57 escaped by jumping off the kidnappers’ trucks, and 130 others have been rescued over time, leaving 89 still held captive.
Suleiman emphasized the agonizing ordeal of the parents with children still missing, highlighting the widespread impact of the girls’ kidnapping on Northern Nigeria and the entire nation.
While recognizing the rescue efforts made so far, NEF expressed concern over the lack of significant progress in combatting insurgency, emphasizing the urgency for the government to act decisively.
He urged the Tinubu-led administration to demonstrate care for its citizens by prioritizing the safe return of the remaining girls and addressing the root causes of insecurity in the country.
“The aftermath of this abduction has been profound, affecting not just the directly impacted families but also the North and Nigeria as a whole. The enduring threat of Boko Haram has escalated violence and instability in the region.
“Nationally, the Chibok girls’ abduction has underscored Nigeria’s security challenges, revealing that no one, not even innocent schoolgirls seeking education, is safe.
“As we mark a decade since the abduction, doubts arise about the Tinubu-led government’s ability to rescue the girls. Persistent efforts are commendable, but the lack of substantial progress raises concerns about combating insurgency effectively and safeguarding citizens.
“Nevertheless, there remains an opportunity for the Tinubu-led government to exhibit dedication to citizens’ well-being. Through prioritizing the safe return of the Chibok schoolgirls and addressing root insecurity causes, such as enhancing intelligence gathering, empowering security forces, and fostering dialogues with all conflict stakeholders,” Suleiman concluded.