Borno Govt Delegation Visits Parents Of Chibok Girls, Donates N5.6m

A delegation of commissioners and a lawmaker, sent by the governor of Borno state, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, visited the parents of the Chibok students who were kidnapped by Boko Haram exactly six years ago.

The delegation that included the commissioners of education, women’s affairs, poverty reduction and the member, representing Chibok at the Borno assembly, conveyed Governor Zulum’s message of empathy, hope and security.

They also presented families with 500 bags of rice (25 kg), 250 gallons of cooking oil and a sum of N5.6 million as social support.

State Commissioner of Education, Bello Ayuba, assured parents and community members that President Muhammadu Buhari and the governor will never give up on rescuing the other students.

Ayuba said: “Governor Zulum asked us to report that in all his meetings with President Buhari, the President has always shown concern and commitment to rescuing of the missing girls.

“The president and the governor are fathers, with daughters. They know how you feel and share your pain. They will never give up on rescuing our daughters. No sane parent will give up a missing child. They are committed and, by the grace of God, these girls will be rescued alive.

“The governor sends his empathy and, as you have all seen in his activities and visits to Chibok, the governor considers Chibok very dear. We will remain hopeful and prayerful while our leaders support their joint efforts. ”

Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Zuwaira Gambo, and Poverty Alleviation Commissioner Nuhu Clark, who comes from Chibok, took turns to support and encourage parents.

On April 14, 2014, Boko Haram insurgents attacked a government high school in Chibok and took more than 200 students from their hostels. The girls were about to take the West African High School Certificate Exam.

A total of 219 of them were held by the insurgents, of which 107 regained their freedom after several rescue efforts and widely mediated negotiations between the Buhari government and the insurgents.