Joyful Chibok girls at AUN mark abduction anniversary, press Abuja to rescue others still held by Boko Haram
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Released or escaped Chibok girls attending the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola have commemorated with hope, the 10th anniversary of their abduction by Islamist jihadist Boko Haram, coinciding with the continued international agitation for the release of the remaining girls by human rights activist Emmanuel Ogebe.
Ogebe, a Nigerian lawyer based in Washington, has written to the United States Congress pressing it for more active engagement on the case and to put pressure on the Bola Tinubu administration to take action.
The students at AUN also appealed to Abuja and other stakeholders to secure the release of their sisters still held captive.
AUN community members and representatives of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs attended the highly emotional event – where, together, they prayed for the safe return of the remaining girls in Sambisa forest.
A statement issued by AUN Public Affairs Senior Director Yusuf Mohammed quoted AUN President DeWayne Frazier as saying “the abductors of these women have failed because today after 10 years we are with some of the resilient women here, though we would not forget some of the many that are still left behind.
“To my ladies seated here, the people you see seated around you today are here because they love and care for you, and you mean something to each of us and the whole world.”
Friya Kimde Bulus, Director of Gender Affairs at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Gabriel Aduda, said she was truly inspired by the Chibok girls’ strong commitment to academic activities with enthusiasm and their dedication to extracurricular activities.
“I salute the courage and positive determination of the young women seated here, the rescued and released Chibok girls at the American University of Nigeria. They are not victims, but survivors and heroes,” Bulus stressed.
Saratu, one of the Chibok girls and a natural and environmental sciences major at AUN, said in her speech: “As we reflect today and say a prayer for our sisters who are still behind, we can’t help but think that tomorrow will be brighter than yesterday. Looking back to 14th April 2014, it was too dark to get a glimpse of brightness, but today, we discovered a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Aisha, another student who is studying communication and multimedia design, expressed their determination to make a difference in the world.
“I am waiting for the day that I will walk across the stage of the Commencement hall, shaking the hands of his Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and our dear president Dr. DeWayne Frazier, and then move on to bring light to the world,” she said, citing how AUN has prepared her well to chase her dream.
The venue was filled with joy and optimism as balloons were released into the sky carrying a message of hope and love. The colourful orbs floated upwards, symbolising the release of grief and the arrival of new beginnings, reminding all that in the midst of sadness, there is always a reason to hope for a brighter tomorrow.
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Related articles:
Ogebe writes US Congress on latest escaped Chibok girl, seeks probe of false CIA rescue claim
Special fact-finding report on Leah Sharibu’s 6th abduction anniversary (Part 2)
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