The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that hope is not lost in the efforts to rescue the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls and Leah Sharibu, who are still in captivity years after their abductions by Boko Haram insurgents.
This assurance was made public by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. The minister reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to securing the release of all citizens held by terrorist groups.
“The Federal Government remains committed to securing the release of all abducted persons in Nigeria, including the remaining Chibok girls and Leah Sharibu,” Idris said. “We have not given up, and we will never give up.”
He noted that while many of the abducted schoolgirls have been rescued through coordinated efforts by the military and other security agencies, some are still being held, and every effort is being made to bring them home safely.
Over 270 schoolgirls were abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, in April 2014, sparking global outrage and the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. Although more than 100 have since been freed, scores remain unaccounted for.
Similarly, Leah Sharibu was abducted in 2018 from the Government Girls Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State, alongside over 100 other schoolgirls. While the others were released, Leah, who was 14 at the time, was reportedly held back for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.
The minister called on Nigerians to continue to support the security agencies and remain hopeful, stating that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to protecting all citizens and upholding their fundamental rights.
“The government understands the pain of the families, and we urge them to remain strong and hopeful. The safety and freedom of all Nigerians remains a top priority,” Idris said.
He also commended the resilience of the families of the abducted girls and assured them that their cries have not gone unheard.
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