One Year After the Kidnap of the Chibok Girls -By Funmi Falana

A year ago, the Boko Haram troops invaded Chibok secondary school and abducted over 200 girls. Even though the illegal abduction was reported by the media the Federal Government dismissed the story. So soon thereafter, the army resorted to feeding the public with lies. Initially, the army claimed to have rescued the girls. When the fluke was exposed, Nigerians were informed that the girls had been located but that the armed forces were being careful not to free them forcefully. Later, the Government claimed to have struck a deal with the terrorists which would lead to the release of the girls.

The BringBackOurGirls campaigners were harassed by the Government. They were physically molested by hired thugs. When they refused to be intimidated, Mr. Joseph Mbu, the then Commissioner of Police, banned peaceful rallies at the Federal Capital Territory. The BringBackOurGirls successfully challenged the illegal ban against rallies in Court.

In view of the hostile attitude of the Federal Government to the BringBackOurGirls campaign, it is indisputable that the efforts made to rescue the Chibok girls were not genuine. Since the Goodluck Jonathan Administration has categorically confirmed that the Chibok girls are being kept in the Sambosa forest in Borno State, the armed forces should intensify efforts to rescue and bring back our girls, safe and alive.

Funmi Falana is the Chairperson of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid, WELA.