girls of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State that he has
still not forgotten their daughters who were kidnapped from their
dormitory five years ago (April 14, 2014).
He promised the parents when he met them, at the beginning of his first
term as president, that he would bring their daughters home.
He is aware that this promise he made is the main reason the people of
Chibok voted overwhelmingly for him in the February elections, and
although his government has so far succeeded in bringing back 107 of the
girls, the President will not rest until the remaining are reunited with
their families.
President Buhari assures the parents that his administration is still on
the matter.
Diverse efforts are being intensified to secure the release of the Chibok
Girls, along with all hostages in Boko Haram captivity, including Leah
Sharibu who was kidnapped from her school, Science Secondary School,
Dapchi, Yobe State, on February 19, 2018.
On Leah Sharibu’s abduction, the interlocutors have reported encouraging
progress so far.
The report reaching us says her return to her family has unfortunately
been hindered by the fear of the militants.
They worry that heavy military presence in areas where they previously
moved about freely could affect their safety after they return her to the
government.
At the same time, the military cannot jeopardise the security of the
entire north-eastern region by halting their operations to accommodate
Boko Haram’s fears.
Leah Sharibu will be reunited with her family as soon as any conclusions
are reached on a number of options being considered for her safe
transportation.
The success of the Nigerian military in subduing Boko Haram is evidenced
by the large numbers of militants who have surrendered recently,
especially in neighbouring Cameroon and Niger.
A similar mass surrender of militants is expected to happen soon in Nigeria.
While Nigerian military operations are ongoing, the government is also
engaging with the militants but the talks have been affected by the
factionalisation of Boko Haram – with one group adopting a hard line
attitude and intensifying attacks on Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, and
another group engaging with the government for peaceful resolution.
President Buhari also uses this opportunity of the commemoration of the
Chibok tragedy to commend the girls, now women, who have triumphed over it
all.
He sends special greetings to the 106 girls sponsored by the Nigerian
government to continue their studies at the American University of
Nigeria, Yola.
He encourages them to stay focused on becoming women who will inspire
girls in Nigeria and around the world to triumph over the daily battles
they face in a world that is often unfair to the girl-child.
President Buhari also extends his best wishes to Chibok girls in other
schools in Nigeria and around the world.
He sends special congratulations to Kauna Yaga Bitrus, who has excelled
beyond expectations in her college in Maine, USA, and who is soon to
receive a special ‘Against All Odds Award’ from her school.