Chibok: Buhari Reaffirms FG Pledge To Rehabilitate Freed Girls

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Wednesday, October 19th, 2016

By Ganiyu Nasirudeen

ABUJA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed the Federal Government (FG) pledge to shoulder the personal, educational upkeep, as well as ensure the realization of the professional goals and life ambitions of the just freed Chibok girls.

Mr. President made the assurance Wednesday at the reception held in honour of the freed girls at the State House, Abuja.

President Buhari reiterated that aside from rescuing them, the FG is “assuming the responsibility for their personal, educational and professional goals and ambitions in life”, noting that it was never late for the girls to go back to school and continue the pursuit of their studies.

“These dear daughters of ours have seen the worst that the world has to offer. It is now time for them to experience the best that the world can do for them. The Government and all Nigerians must encourage them to achieve their desired ambitions”.

“These 21 girls will be given adequate and comprehensive medical, nutritional and psychological care and support. The Federal Government will rehabilitate them, and ensure that their reintegration back to the Society is done as quickly as possible” Buhari assured.

The Nigeria leader noted that the 21 girls just released were the manifestation of the FG “doggedness and commitments to the release and return of the Chibok girls”.

“While joining their parents to rejoice and praise the Almighty, we shall redouble efforts to ensure that we fulfill our pledge of bringing the remaining girls back home. Already, the credible first step has been taken and Government will sustain the effort until all the remaining girls return safely” the President promised.

He expressed appreciation for the patience and understanding of the parents of the abducted girls; thanked Nigerians and the International Community for their support and prayers, and for never losing confidence in government’s ability to secure the safe release of the girls.

A total of 276 students of Government Secondary School in Chibok Borno State, were abducted on April 14, 2014, by the Boko Haram insurgents. Initially, 57 of them narrowly escaped out of the remaining 219. One, Amina Ali was found in May 2016.

With the freedom of 21 last week Thursday, a total of 197 girls are still believed to be held hostage by the insurgents in Sambisa forest in Borno State.