End Abduction In Nigeria Now – Aisha Buhari Charges FG, Stakeholders
Says recurring attacks on women, girls blight on nation’s progress
BY EDMOND ODOK – Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has condemned the recurring abduction of women and girls by insurgents and bandits, describing it as a huge setback that the country cannot endure.
Finally breaking her long silence, Mrs Buhari, who has away from public glare for many months, also expressed grief over the sorrow and anguish that victims and their families are being subjected to on a daily basis.
Raising her voice against the ugly development, she said; “I am also not unaware of the impact that these abductions could have in reverting many successes we have hitherto achieved, especially in terms of girl-child education and early marriages.”
Speaking in a message marking the 2021 edition of International Women’s Day on Monday, the President’s wife lamented that Nigeria remains the ultimate loser because this undesirable action continues to reverse the gains already made in making women and girl children active parts of nation building going forward.
Her message read; “Away from COVID-19, women and girls in Nigeria have continued to suffer abductions both in the hands of insurgents and bandits.
“As a mother, I share the sorrow and agony of the victims and their families. I am also not unaware of the impact that these abductions could have in reverting many successes we have hitherto achieved, especially in terms of girl-child education and early marriages.”
Mrs Buhari, who offered her best wishes to women the world over for their resilience, hard work, and commitment to the progress of humanity, urged all stakeholders to remain resolute in exerting “their different levels of influence and bring these abductions to an end and assure us that girls are safe anywhere they may find themselves.”
According to her, the 2021 edition of International Women’s Day offers yet another opportunity for humanity to review and reflect on progress that have been made on issues of women and girls.
Consequently, Mrs Buhari said this year’s theme: “Women In Leadership: Achieving on Equal Future in a COVID-19 World,” represents a strong appeal to appreciate the efforts of women and girls in fighting against the pandemic.
For her, no effort should be spared in checking the continuous spread of COVID-19 that has already left a huge impact on women; disrupted education; and careers; triggered job losses; and heralded descent into poverty; as well as proliferation of domestic violence.
“Many have also died or suffered due to lack of access to basic information on the pandemic. It is therefore important, not just to continue spreading the message of the COVID-19 protocol, but to also remember and support those who have been affected negatively by the pandemic in one way or another”, the President’s wife pleaded.
