BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – President Muhammadu Buhari has said that even though his government has so far succeeded in bringing back 107 of the Chibok school girls, he would however not rest until the remaining girls are reunited with their families.
This is just as he assured that Leah Sharibu will soon be reunited with her family as conclusions are being reached on a number of options being considered for her safe transportation.
President Buhari, who stated these on Saturday in a statement by his senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu reminded the parents of the Chibok school girls that he has still not forgotten their daughters, who were kidnapped from their dormitory five years ago (April 14, 2014).
Buhari promised the parents of the abducted school girls at the beginning of his first term as president that he would bring their daughters home.
According to Shehu; “He is aware that this promise he made is the main reason the people of Chibok voted overwhelmingly for him in the February elections.”
Buhari assured the parents that his administration is still on the matter, adding that 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 presidential spokesman said the interlocutors have reported encouraging progress so far, saying that the report reaching the Presidency indicate that her return to her family has unfortunately been hindered by the fear of the militants.
He further said; “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.
“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.”
Buhari used the opportunity of the commemoration of the Chibok tragedy to commend the girls, now women, who have triumphed over it all just as he sends special greetings to the 106 girls sponsored by the Nigerian government to continue their studies at the American University of Nigeria, Yola.
The president encouraged 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.
He also extends his best wishes to Chibok girls in other schools in Nigeria and around the world and equally send 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.
