Eleven years after the abduction of ‘Chibok Girls’, the Borno State Government has given an update on the rescue efforts is is making.
This is as it donated N10 million and food items to the 276 parents of the kidnapped pupils as part of activities to commemorate the anniversary.
While many other stakeholders did not do much on the anniversary, a Nigerian poet, Akeem Lasisi, released a video titled Eye Igbo: For Chibok Girls, which captures the plight of the missing children and their loved ones.
According to a statement posted on Tuesday on the official Facebook page of the state ministry of Information and Internal Security, the event took place on Monday and saw the coming together of grieving parents, community leaders and government officials in the Chibok local government area of the state.
Recall that in 2014, a total of 276 schoolgirls were abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, by Boko Haram insurgents.
The statement said that out of the 276 schoolgirls that were abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, 189 have been rescued.
“Efforts remain ongoing to locate and safely return the remaining girls. Of the rescued, 18 are currently under the care of the Borno State Government, where they are undergoing psychosocial support, vocational training, and academic tutorials in preparation to resit their WAEC examinations,” It said
It added, “Representing the State Government at this year’s anniversary was a delegation led by the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Zuwaira Gambo, who delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Governor of Borno State.
“In addition to words of comfort and reassurance, the government provided the 276 parents of the abducted girls with ₦10 million in cash support and food items — a powerful gesture of solidarity and compassion.”
Gambo reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the rescued girls are not only rehabilitated but fully reintegrated into society through education and empowerment.
“We will continue to walk with you, support you, and never give up until every missing girl is found. The rescued girls are not just being rehabilitated, they are being given a new chance at life.” It quoted the Commissioner
In separate remarks, the Executive Chairman of Chibok Mustapha Modu and Pogu Lawan, a Member representing the area at the Borno State House of Assembly, expressed appreciation to the Borno state government for its relentless support of Chibok over the years.
They called for sustained efforts until every last girl is returned and every family finds peace.
