The mothers, fathers and community members from Chibok in Borno State, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to secure the release of the remaining girls kidnapped by Boko Haram as promised.
The parents, in a statement on Saturday, recalled the promissory speech made by president Buhari before the 2015 General elections, where he said: “We cannot claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the Chibok girls and all other innocent persons held hostage by insurgents, this government will do all it can to rescue them alive.”
They also used the occassion of the New year which, according to them, marks hope and redemption, to pray that Nigeria will be lifted out of its current challenges.
The parents, therefore, demand that the presidency makes true his promise and bring joy back to their lives before he hands over power to another President to head back to Daura for a deserving rest.”
The statement read in parts:
“We write to wish Your Excellency the compliments of the season and a more fulfilling New year. While in the spirit and virtue of the festive period, we felicitate with Your Excellency and pray that may the New year bring your administration peace, happiness, and more fulfilment. As the New year marks hope and redemption, it is our sincere wish, hope, and prayer that Nigeria be lifted out of its current challenges.
“Mr. President, we would like to remind you of the promises you made to us on the remaining rescue of our kidnapped daughters, as we acknowledge your efforts and express our sincere gratitude to your administration on your past effort.
“However, we request that you fulfill your promise and return our daughters back to us, even if this is going to be the last act of your presidency.
“During your inaugural speech on May 29, 2015, you said and quote: “but we cannot claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the Chibok girls and all other innocent persons held hostage by insurgents, this government will do all it can to rescue them alive.”
“Recalling your words on April 14th, 2019, 5 years after the abduction of our daughters, you further promised and we quote: “We will not rest until all the remaining girls are back and reunited with their families. I made this promise when I became president, and I will keep it.”
“Mr. President, you reassured us that our daughters will be reunited with us. On April 14th, 2021, a statement titled “Chibok Girls Still on Our Minds” was released and you further reminded us of your promise and reassured us that all our girls will be rescued and reintegrated back into their communities.
“Of the 276 girls that were abducted in 2014, we are disheartened that eight years later and a few months before the end of your administration, 96 of them remain in Boko Haram captivity, subjected to unimaginable ordeal and abuse at the hands of their captors.
“Mr. President, you promised to be the light that would illuminate our darkness, end our writhing pains, dry our tears, and free us from the shackles of sadness, sorrow, and anguish this trajectory has brought into our existence. When we marked the eighth year’s remembrance of the abduction this year, we didn’t think we would hold any more commemoration, and the truth is that we don’t want to.
“Collectively, we say eight years is too long for a child to be denied the love and care of her family. We therefore demand that you make true your promise and bring joy back to our lives, as you handover to another President to head back to Daura for a deserving rest.”
