Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Sunday night said words would be enough to express his happiness over the release of additional 82 of the remaining 195 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, over three years ago.
In his remarks while meeting with the girls in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President shared his joy with the girls, their parents, relatives, friends and Government of Borno State over their freedom.
President Buhari, on behalf of the Federal Government, commended the security agencies, the Red Cross, local authorities, and other stakeholders in the facilitation of the release, even as he promised that his Presidency would personally supervise the performance of those entrusted with the welfare of the girls.
“This is a pleasant 2nd anniversary gift to the people of Nigeria. I cannot express in a few words how happy I am to welcome our dear girls back to freedom. On behalf of all Nigerians, I will like to share my joy with you, your parents, your relatives, friends and Government of Borno State on regaining your freedom.
“The Federal Government will like to commend the Security Agencies, the Red Cross, local authorities, local and foreign NGOs and all those who contributed in one way or another to secure the release of our Chibok Girls.
“Let me reassure Nigerians, especially relatives and friends of the remaining girls that the Federal Government will spare no effort to see that they and all other Nigerians who have been abducted safely regain their freedom.
“Finally, I am very pleased to have personally met you and let me assure you that the Presidency will personally supervise the performance of those entrusted with your welfare and commitments made by the Federal Government on your health, education, security and general well-being.
“No human being should go through this kind of ordeal. The security agencies and state governments should continue to provide special protection to educational institutions vulnerable to this kind of outrage especially in remote areas.
“This administration is resolutely determined to safeguard the security of all Nigerians at all times. Once again, I congratulate you and your parents on your safe return,” President Buhari said.
The 82 schoolgirls released by Boko Haram group met President Muhammadu Buhari after being escorted to the reception in the nation’s capital Abuja by armed soldiers, after a check-up at a medical centre.
The girls were handed over on Saturday in exchange for Boko Haram suspects after negotiations.
They were from a group of 276 abducted in North Eastern Nigeria in 2014 under the government of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Before the latest release, about 195 of the girls were still missing, meaning that 113 now still Boko Haram’s captives and which the government had promised to work on how to get released safely and adequately reunited to their families.
