The abduction in Chibok on April 2014, when more than 200 girls were taken, seemed to have a similar recount with the Dapchi kidnapping of schoolgirls on February 19th, 2018 but in a comic style.
On the 19th day of February 2018, it was all over the news, cyberspace and our nation that Boko Haram jihadists have released 76 of the 110 schoolgirls that were abducted from the northeastern town of Dapchi in a grand style.
Shortly afterwards, the schoolgirls were returned to Dapchi by Boko Haram following negotiations between the Nigerian government and the militant group.
The girls came back in style. They were brought in nine vehicles by the jihadists and dropped outside the school in the early hours of the day; and I add, with their “luggage.”
Moreover, it was also alleged that the jihadists uprising has claimed some 20,000 lives and forced at least 2.6 million to flee their homes since 2009. As a guest speaker at the 12th Convocation lecture/ceremony of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi made it known before the distinguished elites that graced the occasion that “over 200 Boko Haram terrorists have been apprehended and jailed by the APC-led government.”
How come no one seemed to have seen or heard on the documentary about this supposedly feat? How did he come up with such information? Nevertheless, I wouldn’t want to recount or buttress the saga that ensued after the kidnap or kidnap series. But then, I’ve few questions for us to ruminate over. IPOB was proscribed as terrorists yet can one refer to their known activities or mention the havoc or death toll they have caused? Has the government called on them for any negotiation since these so-called negotiations are now done in the secret?
So, the jihadists have actually held the nation to a ransom? Yes, when kidnappers or assassins strike, they have a target but then, on this issue of kidnap by Boko Haram, why must it always be schoolgirls in their large number? Nobody else in sight, not even the school administrators? When do we expect the release of the remaining girls in their custody?
I never knew that a kidnapped victim could return as one from a “planned summer vacation trip”! How did we get to this stage? It’s been years of charade, deceit and sham! Animals are done with swallowing billions of naira which have been swept under the carpet and now this?
It’s been tales and tales from the change mantra government that one marvels at the super story. Guess no need for us to visit a cinema as we always have one playing out for all that care to view.
What a chimera! Can anyone bring hope and restoration to our country, Nigeria? When do we get to celebrate creation of wealth, employment, innovative and developmental strides? Can we actually achieve being a developed nation in every sector and be rated as one?
Obi, Justina Oly
Rivers State
