By Chris Onuoha
Survivors of the abducted Chibok school girls by the Boko Haram insurgents studying at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Adamawa State, have marked the twelfth anniversary of the traumatic incident that happened on April 14, 2014. With a clarion call on the concerned global authorities to prioritize education of young girls in the society, they noted that capacity building among girls would mitigate and prepare them ahead of tougher challenges in their lives.
The group, in a press statement to the media, remembers the chilling abduction incident making a bold statement that reads: “We are more than our fears.”
The Survivors emphasised the benefits of education, and also highlighted the need for authorities and stakeholders to pay more attention to women capacity development, investment and empowerment as sure way to conquer fears and stand against odds.
The survivors also talked about how they have conquered their traumatic experience with education, and stating boldly that their conquest represents symbols of hope and resilience.
“This year, we remember the 12th anniversary of our abduction and how far we have come. Although our abduction was a traumatic experience, but today, we want the world to know that we are more than our fears.
“We represent symbols of hope and resilience for women and girls with experiences like ours. Education has helped and shaped us in many beautiful ways since that time,” the group said.
The Chibok Survivors at AUN also noted that with education, they have become more empowered, gaining knowledge and skills for capacity development, adding that the world can now hear their voices which is what they wish other girls like them.
“Today, we proudly celebrate 12 of our colleagues who will be graduating this month from the American University of Nigeria. We appreciate the Federal Government of Nigeria, the American University of Nigeria, and all private individuals who have supported and encouraged us. We do not take this for granted,” the group stated.
Meanwhile, the Chibok survivors made a passionate call to the world to invest in the education of women and girls, saying it is a path toward a more stable society where everyone has opportunity to fulfil potentials. while also remembering their colleagues still held in captivity, the group pleaded for their rescue as it’s never late too late to regain and enjoy freedom.
Recall that a group of militants in the Northern part of Nigeria known as Boko Haram invaded a Government Girls Secondary School in the town of Chibok in Borno State and brutally abducted about 276 young girls on the night of 14th April, 2014.
These girls, mostly Christian and few Muslim, aged between 16 to 18 were kidnapped by the militant group from their hostel.
The action prompted some human rights activists including many global organizations who embarked on advocacy campaigns for their release.
Many of the girls were lucky to escape from their captors through personal bravery while some were released through government negotiations. Some are still held back by the militants till date.
