‘Their parents still live with pain’ — CAN demands release of remaining Chibok girls

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has appealed to the federal government to intensify efforts in rescuing the remaining Chibok schoolgirls abducted 10 years ago.

On April 14, 2014, about 276 girls were abducted by terrorists from their school dormitory in Chibok, Borno state.

Following a raft of releases through the years, the military said 76 Chibok schoolgirls had so far escaped, while 107 were released by Boko Haram in 2018.

The military added that about 108 of the girls are still missing.

In a statement on Sunday, Ozumba Nicodemus, CAN’s national director for education, youth and women development, said the pain and anguish of losing one’s children remain in the psyche of the parents of the abducted girls.

“The trauma experienced by the remaining abducted girls from Nigeria is unimaginable. The pain and anguish felt by their parents, who have endured sleepless nights filled with hopelessness, are deeply felt by CAN,” the statement reads. 

“We cannot remain silent while their children remain in captivity, yearning for freedom and reunion with their families.

“It is our duty as a nation to ensure their safe return and to bring an end to the anguish and suffering endured by these innocent young girls and their families.

“We call on the government to mobilise all available resources, engage relevant security agencies, and collaborate with international partners to secure the release of the remaining Chibok girls.

“Together, we can amplify our voices and exert greater pressure on the abductors to bring an end to this prolonged ordeal.”

CAN said it will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders on the issue.

“We will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders and utilise all available avenues to shed light on their plight and secure their release,” the statement adds. 

“We urge all Nigerians to stand united, to lend their voices and to demand immediate action from the government.

“Let us show our unwavering support for the families of the Chibok girls and demonstrate our collective determination to bring them back home.”