Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) in a release made available to journalists at the weekend, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the abduction of 276 girls from Chibok Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, revealed that 21 of the affected abductees regained freedom after giving birth to children numbering 34.
The foundation bemoaned the calamitous sexual violence and forced marriages the girls endured while in captivity.
The report suggested that 48 guardians of the kidnapped victims had passed away since the girls were abducted, causing extensive psychological distress for survivors and their families, resulting in health complications and hindrances to employment and schooling, while also stating that 91 out of the 276 schoolgirls were still missing.
During the virtual presentation of the report, Dr. Aisha Muhammad-Oyebode, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the MMF, highlighted that given Nigeria’s ongoing kidnapping crisis, the foundation had put forth 10 crucial suggestions.
These recommendations urged the Nigerian government and the global community to work together, taking tangible actions to tackle the root causes of conflict, extremism, and violence against women and girls, among other issues.
She outlined that these encompass bolstered security protocols, community empowerment initiatives, psychological aid services in high-risk areas, educational campaigns, legal revisions, clear communication channels, humanitarian relief, developmental aid, programs promoting women’s empowerment, and early warning mechanisms for security risks.
“In the ten years since the Chibok kidnapping caused global outrage, very little has changed on the ground in Nigeria where kidnapping is still as prevalent, if not worse than a decade ago.
“As Nigeria’s kidnapping epidemic shows no signs of slowing, we urge the Nigerian authorities and the international community to take concrete steps to address the underlying drivers of conflict, extremism, and violence against women and girls, which include widespread poverty, instability, and a lack of economic opportunities.
“The report found that 91 out of the 276 schoolgirls remain unaccounted for.
“The report also revealed that 21 of the Chibok girls who were released returned with 34 children, serving as a devasting confirmation of the sexual violence and coerced marriages they endured while in captivity,” she said.
Continuing, Dr. Muhammad-Oyebode shared additional significant discoveries from the report, indicating that in 2014, 57 schoolgirls managed to flee by leaping from the Boko Haram vehicles, while from 2016 to 2023, a total of 128 girls had been either rescued, exchanged through negotiations with Boko Haram, or located in various countries, including neighboring Cameroon, following their escape.
One of the girls slated for release chose at the final moment to stay with her captors, while sadly, three parents were killed by the feared Boko Haram in subsequent assaults in 2014, 2016, and 2017, respectively.
The head of MMF, reflecting on Boko Haram’s abduction of over 100 schoolgirls in Dapchi in February 2018, a shocking incident reminiscent of the Chibok event, expressed sorrow over the persistence of numerous kidnapping cases and instability, particularly affecting girls who are most vulnerable.
“Legal accountability must be institutionalised and must apply to those who were neglectful in their duty to protect our most vulnerable. The 34 babies born to the Chibok mothers are evidence of egregious atrocities that demand justice.
“Forced marriage in conflict, declared a crime against humanity by the United Nations in Sierra Leone, was perpetrated against many of the abducted girls both Muslim and Christian compounding their trauma and suffering. The separation from their families, the violation of their rights and the assault on their dignity constitute grave injustices that must not go unpunished,” she said.
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