President Muhammadu Buhari on
Friday received Dapchi schoolgirls at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Buhari vowed to sanction the
nation’s security chiefs should there be a repeat of the Dapchi kidnap in any
part of the country.
He also warned that “any laxity
that leads to abduction will be viewed very strongly.”
His full speech below :
I am delighted to formally
announce to Nigerians this morning and our International friends and partners
that One Hundred and Seven (107) Dapchi students previously abducted have been
unconditionally released by their abductors.
This cheery and hearty
development signify our commitment to the security and well-being of all
Nigerians.
We are never in doubt about our
focus and direction since the assumption of office of this Administration.
Security, anti-corruption and revamping of our economy are the main focus of
our government.
You will recall that on 14th of
this month, I paid a visit to Yobe State during which I sympathized with the
parents, families, Government and people of the State for the tragic abduction
of the students in Dapchi.
I made a solemn pledge on my word
of honour that this Administration would do everything possible to ensure the
unconditional release of the girls.
I further tasked all the
appropriate security agencies to safely bring back the girls. We also reached
out to our contacts at home and abroad. We embarked on back-channel shuttles
with a clear view to bringing to an end this tragedy.
We entered into negotiations
solely to make sure that no single girl was hurt. This strategy paid off as the
girls have been released without any incidents.
Let me reemphasize our
Administration’s commitment to the fight against terrorism and insurgency, and
also call on all Nigerians, to join in this task. The security services have
since been directed to put in place further measures around all schools
vulnerable to attacks to ensure the safety of our pupils/students and teachers
and school workers.
I have tasked all the security
agencies to work to ensure that we do not witness any recurrence of these
incidents. Security Chiefs have been warned in clear terms that any lapse on
their part will be viewed seriously.
To the rescued students, we want
to reassure you as our daughters, that you will freely live and pursue your
dreams in Nigeria of peace and order, without fear of violence or molestation.
While parents of the Dapchi girls
rejoice because of the reunion with their children, I want to appeal to the
Chibok Community never to lose hope or to despair. We are determined as never
before, to bring back our remaining Chibok daughters. And this, we must
accomplish. And that will be soon by God’s grace.
While further efforts are being
made to secure the release of every abducted citizen in Nigeria, Government is
ever ready to accept the unconditional laying down of arms by members of the
Boko Haram group, who show strong commitment in this regard. We are ready to
rehabilitate and integrate such repentant members into the larger society.
This country has suffered enough
of hostility. Government is, therefore, appealing to all to embrace peace for
the overall development of our people and the country.
May I also warn those elements
who have chosen to make political fortune of our citizens’ misfortune.
Government would not tolerate any attempt by any person or group to trivialize
or politicize security issues for politically motivated ends. Accordingly,
security agencies would not hesitate to decisively deal with such unscrupulous
characters.
Finally, I thank all Nigerians,
who in spite of political differences, prayed and showed solidarity with
families of the abducted students, during the period of the captivity.
This, undoubtedly, is the
Nigerian spirit. We can and should sustain it beyond moments of sorrow. I
remain thankful to the International Community and our friends who offered
varying degrees of assistance during the back-channel communications.
May I, on behalf of the
Government and people of Nigeria, extend our appreciation to the security
agencies for their loyal and tireless efforts in making this day a reality.
Thank you and may God bless our
country.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com