By Nathaniel Irobi
In a poignant ceremony held on Tuesday, the Borno state government marked the 11th anniversary of the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, who were taken by terrorists in 2014. During the event, Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by Zuwaira Gambo, the state commissioner for women affairs and social development, announced a donation of N10 million along with food supplies to support the families of the 276 abducted girls.
Governor Zulum emphasized that this donation is part of the ongoing commitment by the Borno state government to alleviate the hardships faced by the affected families. “This is not the first time the Borno state government has extended its support. From the beginning, successive administrations have assisted Chibok,” he stated, reaffirming that under his leadership, this dedication has only intensified. “We will continue our efforts until every missing girl is safely returned.”
As of now, 18 of the 189 girls who have been rescued are receiving care from the state government. Zulum shared that these girls are undergoing psychosocial support, vocational training, and academic tutorials to help them prepare for their senior school certificate examinations as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration program.
The government’s ongoing support for the Chibok community was praised by Mustapha Modu, chairman of Chibok Local Government Area; Pogu Lawan, a member of the state house of assembly; and Hauwa Mai Musa, the governor’s senior special adviser on women affairs.
Furthermore, a report from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in April 2023 indicated that approximately 93 schoolgirls remain in captivity. Although the federal government has pledged to ensure the rescue of the remaining girls, many of the students continue to be unaccounted for a decade after their abduction.
