Human Lives Human Rights: As Nigeria commemorates a decade since the harrowing Chibok school abduction, Amnesty International highlights the distressing reality: 82 girls are still held captive by Boko Haram. Since the infamous 2014 raid, the region has seen a surge in school abductions, with gunmen seizing over 1,700 children in 17 mass incidents.
Despite global outcry and promises of action, the Nigerian government’s response remains inadequate. “It is shocking that in the 10 years since the Chibok school abduction, the Nigerian authorities have not learned any lessons or taken effective measures to prevent attacks on schools,” Amnesty International states. The continued abductions and captivity underscore a lack of political will to address the crisis.
The Safe Schools Initiative, launched post-Chibok, aimed to bolster school security. However, bureaucratic hurdles and corruption allegations have hampered its effectiveness. Consequently, many schools in the north have closed indefinitely, depriving thousands of children of education.
Even in Chibok, where the government rebuilt the ravaged school, fear persists. Parents hesitate to send their children, wary of Boko Haram’s lingering threat. This fear is compounded by reports of forced marriages between rescued Chibok girls and former Boko Haram members, facilitated by the state government. Such actions not only disregard the girls’ rights but also betray a callous attempt at reconciliation.
Meanwhile, families of the abducted girls remain in anguish, feeling abandoned by the government’s silence on rescue efforts. Human Rights groups demand immediate action to secure the release of all captives, uphold human rights, and protect vulnerable communities.
As Nigeria reflects on this grim milestone, concerted efforts are needed to safeguard schools, assist survivors, and provide solace to grieving families. The government must prioritize the safe return of the remaining Chibok girls and redouble efforts to prevent further tragedies.
Background:
The Chibok abduction, occurring in April 2014, saw 276 schoolgirls kidnapped from a government secondary school. Though some escaped or were released, 82 girls remain in captivity, emblematic of ongoing challenges in the region.
