The Nigerian Government has held closed-door discussions with parents and relations of the abducted Chibok girls, briefing them about how far the administration has gone in securing their release from captivity.
The meeting which held in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, had in attendance the Minister of State Power, Mohammed Wakil as the representative of President Goodluck Jonathan, the families of the girls which were led by Mrs Pindar Dauda and the youth leader with some elders of the Chibok community.
The meeting’s top agenda was on government’s commitment to safe return of the abducted girls.
Wakil told the parents that the Nigerian government, under President Jonathan has devised a comprehensive counter- insurgency strategy which has four central goals: reclaiming of occupied territories, rescue of abducted persons, resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons, and the rehabilitation of insurgency-ravaged communities.
“Mr President is pursuing multi- faceted strategies which address the pains, anger and frustrations of victims. Our President directed me to tell you that his government is committed to doing everything possible for the safe return of your daughters,” he told the parents.
“I am here to convey the sympathy of Mr President and the entire Federal cabinet to you the parents and families as well as all other victims. As you are all aware, our military is having the upper hand in this sacred war. We believe by the grace of God that your children will return safely,” the President’s representative said.
Speaking further, the Minister hailed the families for refusing to support the politicization of the regrettable abduction, adding that, ” your presence here to listen to the message of Mr. President confirms your belief in the ongoing counter insurgency operations as a solution to our collective challenge.”
Responding, the Spokesperson of the parents and families, Mrs Pindar Dauda, thanked the President for his concern and sympathy while praying for the success of the ongoing military operations.
“I appeal to President Jonathan not to relent. He should continue with the war on Boko Haram. He should get our children back for us safely. We are praying for him and the military,” Mrs Dauda said
Source: VON
