Now that we know

The return of the abducted one hundred and four out of one hundred and ten Dapchi school girls for me is a cheery news. The swift return of these schools girls to their families is something we must all applaud the Buhari led administration for irrespective of our political associations. Unfortunately in our country, we have a sizeable number of people who sees everything from the angle of politics. These individuals’ sense of worth for a human life is nothing as long as the issue does not align with their political philosophy. They will rather believe the kidnap and release was a scam orchestrated by the government or its agents to score cheap political goal. One can only feel sorry for these set of individuals amongst us as their action reflect values they placed on a human life.

I have taken time to monitor the event from when it happened till date and I could feel the pain of the parent. That a large chunk of the girls were released, irrespective of whether ransom was paid or not is immaterial. What is Important is we have such a large number of the school girls back home at a time. We are witnesses to what happened to the Chibok school girls.
Any Nigerian who complains about whether ransom was paid need to have his/her head examined. In every country where kidnap or hostage takes place, whether soldiers or civilians, it is a common practice for government to pay ransom, albeit remotely. This is not to show a sign of weakness but a position to say such government places higher value on their citizens than the money or the terrorists it will exchange as ransom

People need to dig deep into history of Israel and the United States of America, their government often pay ransom or exchange known terrorists in their custody to have dead body of a single soldier back. This is not to talk of a living soul. But here, it seems poverty had dealt a big blow with many psyches and so money paid as ransom is considered a huge price for the lives of over a hundred school girls.

Anyway let us live that discussion for another day. Now that we know one hundred and four of the girls are back while five were dead and one remains in the custody of the terrorists. This lone hostage was based on alleged determination of the girl not to denounce her faith. What will the government do? This is a good question to ask any forward looking government. At least this story had been confirmed by the interview granted to a national television by one of the returnee girls. The hostage girl’s parent had also been identified so it is no longer a rumour as I want to believe.

My thinking is because of the euphoria of having a sizeable number of the girls back home, the government will relax and beat the drum for a successful negotiation well done. The Minister of Information, Chief Lai Mohammed, had claimed government negotiators made a demand for the release of all the girls. Dead or alive. Why is the government turning its ears and eyes to the pain of a parent whose child is still in the custody of the dreaded group? Or are we saying that one life is not that important?
Nigeria is a secular state and the President swore an allegiance to protect every Nigerian irrespective of religious beliefs and race.

If I were the President or Chief Lai Mohammed who are both muslim, and this is not to promote religion or raise an issue where there is none, I will do everything to show I am a thorough bred humanist. I will be quick to think along the line if the lone girl is my only child would I let go? Will the fact that others have gotten their children back make me rest?

Beyond the issue of religion, my perception and value for a human life will not let me sleep. I will rather do everything within my capacity to ensure the lone girl is returned safely home. From what we know, the girl is still alive and not dead . The negotiators are human not spirits, who will still be in the land of the living, and would not have returned to the spirit world immediately the other girls were returned. For this, I strongly believe something can still be done.

When people see government’s determination to account and defend every soul, it may spur unusual commitment and unalloyed patriotism. But if government relaxes and says after all we already have one hundred and four out of One hundred and ten, it is a signal to some that majority is more important than a single soul with a potential to transform a whole nation if rescued today.

While we praise government’s efforts and jubilate with parents of the one hundred and four girls that were returned, I appealed to everyone(especially the government negotiators) who can still do anything towards the release of the lone girl to come together, not because she is alleged to be a Christian, but because she is a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has a right to life.

Her return may encourage some girls to return to school knowing whatever happens, the government will always be there for them. Let us all not forget to make a demand for her unconditional release too. And if ransom needs to be paid, so be it. Whatever we do, let us be accountable and ensure this Dapchi girl is released. In the meantime, let us not forget the remaining one hundred plus Chibok girls.