Ten years ago today, Boko Haram, a brutal terrorist group, abducted 276 schoolgirls from their classrooms in Chibok, Borno State, in the north-east of Nigeria. The abduction, globally identified as a horrific act of violence and terrorism, left the families of the schoolgirls in devastating condition and the country in grief.
The event sent shock waves around the world, sparking a locally originated BringBackOurGirls campaign. It then became a global symbol of the call for the release of the of the abducted Chibok girls on social media. The campaign got the attention of many political leaders and public figures who also joined the train in demanding the immediate release of the abducted girls and the need for the Nigerian government to act fast to rescue the girls.
A decade later, the number of girls who escaped or were released remains a point of contention between the Nigerian authorities and the parents of the Chibok Girls.
The BringBackOurGirls campaign group reports 138 girls found freedom, while the Chibok Parents Association maintains only 107 have returned home. Regardless of the exact figure, dozens of young lives were tragically upended.
Despite the passage of a decade, the United States remains a steadfast partner in Nigeria’s fight for security.
In a recent press release, the US Embassy in Abuja reaffirmed its commitment. They emphasized support for efforts to bolster security, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure the well-being of all Nigerians.
This partnership is built on a foundation of shared values. Both nations strive for peace, stability, and the protection of human rights. The US pledges continued collaboration to achieve these goals, not just in countering extremism but also in fostering education, economic growth, and a brighter future for all Nigerians.
