By Gbenga Akingbule
The latest rescued Chibok Girl on Wednesday called on the Federal and State Governments to sponsor her education promising to help fight Boko Haram terrorists when she becomes military personnel.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ruth Bitrus who was rescued by the Military three weeks ago specifically indicated an interest in gaining admission into the Nigeria Defence Academy where she can be well prepared to archive her lifetime ambition.
“My dream has always been to be a soldier and now that I’m out of captivity, I can’t wait to join the military to fight Boko Haram, but this will happen after I must have graduated from school,” Bitrus who is the first of eight children of her parents said.
Bitrus disclosed this at the Miamalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital after she was introduced by the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai Major General Christopher Musa to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouk who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Nasir Sani Gwarzo during the presentation of Hospital Equipments to the Military by the Noth East Development Commission (NEDC).
Ruth Bitrus and her son Mohammed.
The 24-year-old Bitrus revealed that she escaped from Boko Haram captivity at midnight when Boko fighters were asleep and walked in the bush for three days before she was rescued by the Military.
“After walking for three days and three nights I found myself in Bama Local Government Area on the fourth day before the Army brought me down here to Maiduguri.
“I have always wanted to escape from Boko Haram captivity, and when I got the opportunity, I escaped from Boko Haram terrorist camp around 3 a.m midnight,” Bitrus said.
While appealing to the government and well-spirited individuals to sponsor her education, Bitrus who is now a mother of 2 years -six months old Mohammed said her top priority is to return to school and graduate before joining the Military
She also appealed to the government to come to the aid of her family, who according to her, are struggling to cope with seven of her siblings.
“It’s not easy for my parents and siblings at the moment, I want the government to assist them too,” Bitrus said.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. Dr. Nasir Gwarzo.
Meanwhile, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj Gen Christopher Musa has urged the NEDC to look into the construction and rehabilitation of bad roads in the region, noting that the Boko Haram terrorists plant explosives on bad portions of the road.
“The challenge we’re having in the Theatre now is the effect of Improvised Explosive Devices ( IEDs). Within February and March 2022, we have removed over 150 IEDs, each one has the capacity of destroying a vehicle with 10 men in.
“Prevention is better than cure. What we feel will assist us in preventing this ( planting of IEDs by terrorists) is road construction, if we have well-built roads, it will be difficult for them ( Boko Haram terrorists) to plant IEDs.
“If we’re going for reinforcement it will be difficult for us to move through roads mined with IEDs; troops have to go on foot and begin to scan the width and breadth of the roads. You can imagine the time it would take if you were covering just one kilometre.
“We believe, if these roads ( Maiduguri – Damboa – Biu and Maiduguri- Monguno roads ) are well constructed, it will take away 65% of our Challenge,” Gen Musa said.
