Unwavering Hope: Federal Government Reassures Nigerians, Chibok Girls & Leah Sharibu Are NOT Forgotten!

Oh, this is a story that weighs heavily on the hearts of every Nigerian, a wound that refuses to heal until every missing child is home. For years, the names Chibok schoolgirls and Leah Sharibu have been a painful reminder of the enduring fight against insurgency. Now, the Federal Government has stepped forward, reiterating its solemn commitment to securing their release, assuring all Nigerians that these precious girls have not been forgotten, despite the agonizing passage of time.

Can you feel that flicker of hope? It’s a powerful message, aimed at comforting grieving families and a nation that has prayed tirelessly for their return.

The Unfolding Tragedies: A Decade of Pain

Let’s cast our minds back to the dark days that etched these names into our national consciousness:

• Chibok Girls: It was on April 14, 2014, a date seared into Nigeria’s memory, when a total of 276 girls were abducted by Boko Haram from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State. An act of unimaginable cruelty that sparked global outrage and the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. Eleven years later, the pain persists, with a heartbreaking 87 girls still believed to be in captivity.
• Leah Sharibu: The story of Leah Sharibu is equally poignant. She was among the 110 schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters from the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, on February 19, 2018. While most of her classmates were eventually released, Leah, the only Christian among them, remains in captivity, her steadfast faith becoming a symbol of resilience and a nation’s unwavering prayer.

A Renewed Vow: Efforts Have Not Relented!

Speaking during a crucial multi-agency meeting on anti-kidnapping, organized in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency in Abuja on Tuesday, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj Gen Adamu Laka, delivered the government’s resolute message. He acknowledged that while some of the kidnapped girls had been rescued over the years, the efforts to free the remaining ones have “not relented.” This is a critical assurance for families who might fear their loved ones have been abandoned to their fate.

Maj Gen Laka, speaking from personal experience, shed light on the complex nature of these rescue operations: “Since when they were kidnapped, those who were rescued were not just rescued one time; it was a gradual process. Negotiations were conducted to get them out. Operations were conducted.” He even recalled his own direct involvement: “Luckily, at the beginning of that, towards the year after they were kidnapped, I was in the theatre, and I know what the military and intelligence agencies put in to rescue the initial set of the Chibok girls.” This firsthand account adds immense credibility and a human touch to the government’s commitment.

He bravely addressed the difficult realities, acknowledging that “some of them were married to some of the insurgents. Some have come out.” But his core message remained one of unwavering determination: “We haven’t given up hope on them.” He also wisely urged a broader perspective, reminding everyone: “But let our focus not only be on the Chibok girls.” This hints at the wider challenge of kidnapping and insurgency that plagues various communities, and the government’s commitment to addressing all forms of abduction.

A Nation’s Prayer: Holding Onto Hope

This reassurance from the Federal Government is a vital lifeline for the families of the abducted girls. It signifies that behind the scenes, complex and dangerous efforts are still underway. The fight against these terrorist groups is multifaceted, involving military operations, intelligence gathering, and delicate negotiations.

While the passage of time makes the ordeal even more agonizing, the government’s renewed commitment offers a glimmer of hope that one day, these girls will be reunited with their families. The story of the Chibok girls and Leah Sharibu remains a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s resilience in the face of terror, and a constant reminder that a nation’s heart will not rest until all its children are safe at home. Our prayers and hopes remain with them.