NewsNigeriaA Decade On: Nigeria Remembers Chibok Girls’ Abduction

Nigeria solemnly marked the 10th anniversary of the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction on Sunday, 14th April 2024.

On 14th April 2014, Boko Haram militants stormed the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, kidnapping 276 girls in a horrific act that shocked the world.

A decade of raw grief and unwavering hope collided on Sunday as parents of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls marked the 10th anniversary of their daughters’ disappearance.

Today, 91 girls remain missing. Some who escaped or were released have spoken of forced marriages and brutality.

In Chibok, tearful prayers and solemn memorials painted a picture of a community forever scarred. Relatives gathered for prayers and memorials, their hope flickering but not extinguished. About 48 parents have died since the incident while awaiting the return of their daughters.

For parents like Amina Nkenki, the pain remains constant. “I am in pain. My worries will not go away until I see her. My sight is diminishing due to crying and lack of sleep,” Nkenki said of her missing daughter, Hauwa, echoing the sentiment of countless others.

Many expressed anger and frustration at the perceived lack of progress in securing their daughters’ release.

Nkeki Mutah, an uncle to two girls who are still in captivity, said the Nigerian government failed them.

“It is unfortunate that after ten years, the nation I love so much, cannot rescue our children, including the daughters of my elder brother. You can imagine the state of mind of those of us who are yet to see our daughters and relatives,” he lamented.

The anniversary has reignited calls for renewed action.

The United States government reiterated its support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts and programmes for the released girls.

“As we mark one decade since this terrible act, we reaffirm our support for the survivors, their families, and all those affected by terrorism,” said the US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria in a statement on its website.

“The United States stands with Nigeria in its fight against extremism and its commitment to creating a safer, more prosperous future for all its people.”

However, human rights groups like Amnesty International have been critical. They accuse the Nigerian government of failing to learn lessons from the tragedy and neglecting measures to prevent similar abductions

“Today marks 10 years since 276 girls were abducted from Chibok secondary school in Borno State on 14 April 2014. Since then, Amnesty International has documented at least 17 cases of mass abductions in which at least 1,700 children were seized from their schools by gunmen and taken into the bush, where, in many cases, they were subjected to serious abuse, including rape,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

“It is shocking that in the 10 years since the Chibok school abduction, the Nigerian authorities have not learned any lessons or taken effective measures to prevent attacks on schools. The number of abductions that have taken place since 2014, including as recently as last month, and the fact that hundreds of children are still in the custody of gunmen, shows the lack of political will by the authorities to address the problem.”