FG meets parents of abducted Chibok girls

The federal government has held a closed-door meeting with parents and other relatives of more than 200 schoolgirls abducted in April 2014 by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno state.

The meeting was to brief them of the developments towards securing the release of the girls.

At the meeting in Maiduguri, capital of Borno, Mohammed Wakil, minister of state for power, represented the federal government, while the families of the girls were led by Pindar Dauda (Mrs).

The youth leader of the Chibok community was in attendance, as well as some elders of the community.

The president’s representative told the families that the government had devised comprehensive counter-insurgency strategies, whose central goals are reclaiming occupied territories, rescuing abducted persons, resettling IDPs and rehabilitating insurgency-ravaged communities.

“Mr. President is pursuing multi-faceted strategies which address the pains, anger and frustration of victims. Our president directed me to tell you that his government is committed to doing everything possible for the safe return of your daughters,” Wakil said.

“I am here to convey the sympathy of Mr. President and the entire federal cabinet to you the parents and families, as well as all other victims. As you are all aware, our military is having the upper hand in this sacred war. We believe by the grace of God that your children will return safely.”

He praised the families for refusing to support the politicisation of the “regrettable abduction”, saying: “Your presence here to listen to the message of Mr. President confirms your belief in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation as a solution to our collective challenge.

“I assure you that not only will rescue operations be successful, the other three goals of reclaiming occupied territories, ressettlment of IDPS and rebuilding of communities will be pursued to a logical conclusion. This is a personal pledge of Mr President, which the entire administration is committed to.”

Dauda responded on behalf of the parents and families, thanking the president for his concern and sympathy while praying for the success of the ongoing military operation.

“I appeal to President Jonathan not to relent,” she said.

“He should continue with the war on Boko Haram. He should get our children back for us safely. We are praying for him and the military.”