Ten years after Chibok Abduction: Women Radio demands closure for families of survivors

Relevant stakeholders and human rights activists have called for sustained advocacy, accountability, and partnerships in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the Chibok community in Borno state and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerian citizens. This call was made at a media dialogue organised by Women Radio on Monday 15 April 2024 as part of efforts to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Chibok Abduction themed “Ten Years: Life After Chibok Abduction.

Femi Falana SAN, addressed the lack of concerted efforts to rescue the abducted girls, lambasting the government for its failure to prioritise their release. Falana underscored the constitutional mandate of the government to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens, citing Section 14(2b) as a basis for holding authorities accountable while calling for renewed global attention to the issue and urged the public to demand transparency regarding the allocation of funds intended for the girls’ welfare.

Kunle Adebajo, Head of Investigations at HumAngle, called on the media to continue to put the spotlight on issues of attacks and kidnapping in the country, specifically the Chibok girls story. Adebajo also raised concerns about the mismanagement of funds allocated for the Chibok girls’ welfare while revealing that over a billion naira had been disbursed from 2017-2022, yet there was little evidence of tangible support reaching the affected families. He emphasized the need for accountability and transparency while calling for closer scrutiny of government spending and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the effective utilization of resources.

According to the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development Borno State , Zuwaira Gambi, in a note sent to the Women Radio team, Gambo said some of the released girls were being rehabilitated and enrolled at the Second Chance School designed for victims of the insurgency who had their education truncated, Gender Based Violence Survivors and other vulnerable women and girls adding that a total of twenty girls, who came out in batches have been under the care of the Borno State Government, with four remaining in parental custody and sixteen entrusted to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Gambo reiterated the Borno State government’s commitment to their rehabilitation which is evident through the provision of comprehensive services and access to essential needs.

Bunmi Dipo-Salami, Executive Director of BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights highlighted the challenges of stigmatisation and the importance of community-based initiatives in providing assistance and empowerment to affected families. She stressed the role of women’s organisations in advocating for improved security measures and called for increased collaboration with government agencies to address the underlying issues contributing to insecurity in Borno State.

Opeyemi Adamolekun, Executive Director of Enough Is Enough voiced concerns about the lack of accurate data on the missing girls and advocated for greater transparency from government authorities. Adamolekun emphasised the need for a unified approach to advocacy, from rescue efforts to supporting the girls who have returned home while urging the government to prioritise the dissemination of information and engage with the public through legal avenues to ensure accountability.

In response to questions about the effectiveness of capital punishment in curbing banditry and kidnappings as proposed by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu in March 2024, Barrister Falana noted that the proposed is not the best solution but would only be a diversion from the real issues. He emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies focusing on prevention, accountability, and institutional reforms. The panel called for increased public engagement, legal action, and collaborative efforts to address the root causes of insecurity and protect vulnerable populations.

Aisha Sanni & Miracle Phillip
Women Radio 91.7
news@wfm917.com