Nigeria’s President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, has
pledged to do all possible to rescue more than 200
schoolgirls abducted from Chibok in Borno State, by
Boko Haram militants, a year ago.
The girls were seized April 14, 2014 from their
dormitories as they prepared for exams.
The current federal government has failed to rescue
them, and has been widely criticised for not doing
enough, until recently, to tackle Boko Haram.
In a statement marking the girls’ one year in captivity,
Mr. Buhari said his government will act differently.
But he warned that the new approach must begin with
“honesty”, in admitting that the girls’ whereabouts are
unknown, and that as much as he wishes to, he cannot
promise his government can find them.
Still, he assured “every parent, family member and friend
of the children that my Government will do everything in
its power to bring them home”.
Read the full statement below:
President-elect Muhammadu Buhari: Statement on the
first anniversary of the kidnap by Boko Haram of 276
schoolgirls from Chibok
“Today we remember the kidnapping of 276 girls from a
school in Chibok one year ago. This crime has rightly
caused outrage both in Nigeria and across the world.
“Today is a time to reflect on the pain and suffering of
the victims, their friends and families. Our thoughts and
prayers, and that of the whole Nigerian Nation, are with
you today.
“I want to assure all of them, and particularly the
parents, that when my new Administration takes office
at the end of May, we will do everything we can to defeat
Boko Haram. We will act differently from the
Government we replace: we hear the anguish of our
citizens and intend to respond accordingly.
“This new approach must also begin with honesty. We
do not know if the Chibok girls can be rescued. Their
whereabouts remain unknown. As much as I wish to, I
cannot promise that we can find them. But I say to
every parent, family member and friend of the children
that my Government will do everything in its power to
bring them home.
“What I can pledge, with absolute certainty, is that
starting on the first day of my Administration Boko
Haram will know the strength of our collective will and
commitment to rid this nation of terror, and bring back
peace and normalcy to all the affected areas.
““Boko Haram” means “Western Education is Sinful”.
When they are defeated militarily, as they will be, we will
ensure our citizens in the affected areas have improved
educational opportunities as a direct counterbalance to
Boko Haram’s twisted ideology. In particular we will
educate ever more young girls ensuring they are
empowered as citizens of Nigeria.
“Let us use this anniversary to remind each other that
the attack on Chibok was an attack on the dreams and
aspirations of our young people.
“We stand united in our pledge to resist terror in
Nigeria– not just through military means but also
through the power of opportunity and the hope of a better
future for all”.
General Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR)
President-elect, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Daura, Katsina
Nigeria CLICK HERE TO READ FULL AND TOUCHING NIGERIAN CELEBRITIES BIOGRAPHY AND SCANDALS
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