At 10th Anniversary, CAN Demands Release of Remaining Chibok School Girls

As Nigeria marks the 10th anniversary of the abduction of schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, today, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the federal government to intensify efforts and take decisive action to rescue the remaining Chibok girls still held hostage by the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists.

However, the parents of the remaining 89 schoolgirls still in the hands of the Boko Haram terrorists have been assured of the Borno State Government’s commitment to bring the abductees home.

This is coming as the Chief Executive Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), Mrs. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, has lamented what she described as the pervasive culture of impunity that shielded the abductors of the Chibok schoolgirls from facing justice.

CAN’s National Director for Education, Youth and Women Development, Reverend Ozumba Nicodemus, who made this call yesterday, insisted that it was the duty of the nation to ensure their safe return and bring an end to the anguish and suffering endured by the innocent young girls and their families.

It expressed the solidarity of its directorate with the families and loved ones of the abducted Chibok girls, who have endured 10 long years of captivity following their abduction on April 14, 2014.

“The case of the Chibok girls is one that cannot be swept under the carpet, as it represents a horrific tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the nation’s conscience. The trauma experienced by the 276 abducted girls from Nigeria is unimaginable.

“The pain and anguish felt by their parents, who have endured sleepless nights filled with hopelessness, are deeply felt by CAN. We cannot remain silent while their children remain in captivity, yearning for freedom and reunion with their families.

“CAN hereby reiterate its unwavering demand for the government to intensify efforts and take decisive action to rescue the remaining children still held hostage.

“It is our duty as a nation to ensure their safe return and to bring an end to the anguish and suffering endured by these innocent young girls and their families,” he stated.

CAN further call on the government to mobilise all available resources, engage relevant security agencies, and collaborate with international partners to secure the release of the remaining Chibok girls without delay.

“This is not only a matter of national importance but also a test of our commitment to upholding the rights and safety of our citizens, particularly the most vulnerable among us.

“Furthermore, we implore the international community, humanitarian organisations, and well-meaning individuals to join hands with CAN in advocating for the release of the Chibok girls.

“Together, we can amplify our voices and exert greater pressure on the abductors to bring an end to this prolonged ordeal. CAN remains resolute in its commitment to seeking justice and ensuring the safe return of the Chibok girls,” Nicodemus said.

The apex Christian body further pledged to continue engaging with relevant stakeholders and utilise all available avenues to shed light on the plights of the abductees with the bid to secure their release.

The association further urged all Nigerians to stand united, lend their voices, and demand immediate action from the government; and also show unwavering support for the families of the Chibok girls and demonstrate collective determination to bring them back home to reunite with their families.

“May our prayers, actions, and unwavering advocacy bring hope and hasten the day when the Chibok girls will be reunited with their families, free from the chains of captivity,” CAN added.

Meanwhile, the parents of the 98 remaining girls still in the hands of the Boko Haram terrorists have been assured of the Borno State Government’s commitment to bring the abductees home, 10 years after their abduction.

The state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar, gave the assurance yesterday, stressing that the government would not rest on its oars until the last of its innocent girls are back home with their families.

Tar gave the assurance at a press briefing on the abduction and rescue of Chibok girls, held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Maiduguri.

The commissioner who recalled that the Boko Haram insurgents criminally abducted 276 innocent girls in their hostels at Government Girls Secondary School Chibok 10 years ago, said the painful date is engrained in the people’s collective memory.

“We shall not rest on our oars until the last of our innocent girls are back home with their families. On this auspicious occasion of the 10th anniversary of the abduction of the Chibok Girls, the Borno State Government identifies and sympathises with all those who are affected by the abduction.

“The Government wishes to inform the public that we shall continue to struggle to salvage our abducted girls on behalf of the parents and relatives of the Chibok girls who are still in captivity.

“The Borno State Government is committed to rescuing and reuniting the remaining Chibok girls and reuniting them with their families. We understand the pain and anguish that the families of those still in captivity are going through, this is our sorrow!

“We also wish to use this occasion to take stock of the rescued girls and provide an update on how the girls are coming to terms with adjusting to normal life after captivity, and the efforts of the Borno State Government to sustain the momentum on the rescue of the remaining girls,” Tar said.

He noted that so far, 187 out of the 276 abducted Chibok Girls have been rescued and reunited with their families, while adding that most of the rescued girls have, over the years, been enrolled in different schools or graduated under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.