Nigeria: 7 years on, Chibok girls still unaccounted for

Seven years after their abduction from the government secondary school in Chibok by the terrorist group Boko Haram in north-eastern Nigeria, more than 100 schoolgirls remain unaccounted for. On the sad anniversary, the parents of these children have again called on the Nigerian government to redouble its efforts.

The #BringBackOurGirls committee, which grew out of a hashtag set up to demand the return of the 276 girls who were abducted in 2014, has been making calls for more action from the Nigerian authorities. « The government and the authorities must make convergent efforts to rescue our girls. By the grace of God, this is my own wish and desire, » said Maryama Izekel, who is still waiting to see her daughters again.

On its part, the Nigerian Presidency has reassured parents and concerned citizens that the missing students are always on the mind of the government. Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, gave the assurance in a statement on the 7th anniversary of the abduction of the Chibok girls.

Over 100 of the 276 schoolgirls abducted on April 14, 2014 are still with the Boko Haram terrorists. Garba Shehu also assured that the « release of the remaining Chibok girls is still on course ». « No one is losing hope here. Efforts to secure their release, through various channels and activities of the security and intelligence agencies, are ongoing, » he reassured.

According to the presidential aide, the recent decisive push by the army against the terrorists gives hope that a breakthrough is possible and may happen soon. Garba Shehu asked for support, understanding and prayers for the military as they carry out their historic mandate to quickly end the insurgency and release all citizens taken hostage.