Nigeria’s President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, has pledged to do all possible to rescue more than 200 schoolgirls abducted from Chibok in Borno State, by Boko Haram militants, a year ago.
The girls were seized April 14, 2014 from their dormitories as they prepared for exams.
The current federal government has failed to rescue them, and has been widely criticised for not doing enough, until recently, to tackle Boko Haram.
In a statement marking the girls’ one year in captivity, Mr. Buhari said his government will act differently.
But he warned that the new approach must begin with “honesty”, in admitting that the girls’ whereabouts are unknown, and that as much as he wishes to, he cannot promise his government can find them.
Still, he assured “every parent, family member and friend of the children that my Government will do everything in its power to bring them home”.
Read the full statement below:
President-elect Muhammadu Buhari: Statement on the first anniversary of the kidnap by Boko Haram of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok
“Today we remember the kidnapping of 276 girls from a school in Chibok one year ago. This crime has rightly caused outrage both in Nigeria and across the world.
“Today is a time to reflect on the pain and suffering of the victims, their friends and families. Our thoughts and prayers, and that of the whole Nigerian Nation, are with you today.
“I want to assure all of them, and particularly the parents, that when my new Administration takes office at the end of May, we will do everything we can to defeat Boko Haram. We will act differently from the Government we replace: we hear the anguish of our citizens and intend to respond accordingly.
“This new approach must also begin with honesty. We do not know if the Chibok girls can be rescued. Their whereabouts remain unknown. As much as I wish to, I cannot promise that we can find them. But I say to every parent, family member and friend of the children that my Government will do everything in its power to bring them home.
“What I can pledge, with absolute certainty, is that starting on the first day of my Administration Boko Haram will know the strength of our collective will and commitment to rid this nation of terror, and bring back peace and normalcy to all the affected areas.
““Boko Haram” means “Western Education is Sinful”. When they are defeated militarily, as they will be, we will ensure our citizens in the affected areas have improved educational opportunities as a direct counterbalance to Boko Haram’s twisted ideology. In particular we will educate ever more young girls ensuring they are empowered as citizens of Nigeria.
“Let us use this anniversary to remind each other that the attack on Chibok was an attack on the dreams and aspirations of our young people.
“We stand united in our pledge to resist terror in Nigeria– not just through military means but also through the power of opportunity and the hope of a better future for all”.
General Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR)
General Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR)
President-elect, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Daura, Katsina
Nigeria
13 April 2015.
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Ameen Mr. President. May Allah make you to achieve this commitment. May the girls return safely to their families. Ameen
ReplyDeleteHahahah Story Northern an by tell us this story , Do you people want to bring them out ?? let see what will happen and see what action we will take from Niger Delta ,, Do you think you can play us and make us fool .. This is your own time now ,,5,000 people will lost in Niger delta and you must find them also as you people did in North ,Thanks buhari ..chairman boko haram
ReplyDeletePls my friend, go to school and learn how to write. mumu.
DeleteHahahah Story Northern an by tell us this story , Do you people want to bring them out ?? let see what will happen and see what action we will take from Niger Delta ,, Do you think you can play us and make us fool .. This is your own time now ,,5,000 people will lost in Niger delta and you must find them also as you people did in North ,Thanks buhari ..chairman boko haram
ReplyDeleteWell said. All is well. We must find and rescue them!
ReplyDeleteNE how far? Your hero has started singing a different song o. Is it part of the change?
ReplyDeleteOne zero very soon the promises will turn to twenty zero ..remember he campaigned that he will find the girls soonest
ReplyDeleteBuhari, before the election, u said u can find the Chibok girls, now that u are elected, u said u can't promise u will can't promised. You already changing some of those things u promised before election.
ReplyDeleteSong don dey change o even before swearing in. Yepaaaa you must return my vote o. I'm watching closely. Just 4 years. Not more than 4 years. It's result or nothing for you!
DeleteI really do not understand these comments, Buhari said he will do everything possible to rescue our girls... most comments here seem not to have listened to all Buhari's speeches, this is so unfortunate!!!!; Please the videos of all Buhari's speeches during his campaigns and rallies are still in the internet and a full copy of APC manifesto is still in the internet... take time and go through them. I really noticed that most people where not listening to him because they thought he will never win... the time has come for you to listen,,, please go back to the board #bringbackourgirls #oneyearwestill love and want our girls
ReplyDeleteWe are all waiting for the magic
ReplyDeleteHe said he will get rid of boko haram and rescue chibok girls once he enters, isn't it? We no wan hear any story when you enter oo! we need chibok girls back and get rid of BH sharp sharp once you enter, Abeg no waste our time
ReplyDeleteElection is over and a new tune is heard. First deceit. We are waiting for more. Your promises were and are recorded for nigerians to judge.Change indeed!!!
ReplyDeleteSome of you post disgusting comments here and it is sad that some Nigerians are born critics. I challenge some of you to take up mantle of leadership of your area's CDC and see how easy to govern. You always have bias in your comments there loosing the objectivity this forum deserves. You guys critisized OBJ, Yar'adua, GEJ to the last and I wonder who will satisfy this generation. Problem dey o.
ReplyDeleteU shld realize d fact dat Nigerians of 2da r total different frm Nigerians of ystda, ur promises r vry fresh in our brain. Any politician who believ he can com n tel us story, sory ll b dat person name bc no more patience even 4 d completion of d politician's ternure. Besides, #1 to $1 is.....
ReplyDeleteNO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, TRUTH IS THAT EVERYTHING WILL BE MADE MANIFEST LIKE DAYLIGHT BY GOD'S GRACE...SOONER THAN WE CAN IMAGINE. LONG LIVE NIGERIA.
ReplyDeleteThe truth is this same buhari who promised heaven on earth has not even started his tenure and he has made few blunders 1.he said he will not perform miracles 2. He cant promise his government will return chibok girls well lets keep watching but nigerians note as far as boko haram is concerened we need the heard of abubakar shekau. Buhari must get this guy. Pls per adventure buhari is unable to find this guy with all the recent victories our millitary have recorded then we must ask questions.
ReplyDelete