Federal government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to secure the release of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls.
Gatekeepers News reports that on April 14, 2014, 276 schoolgirls were abducted by the Boko Haram terrorists from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok town, Borno State, North-East Nigeria.
The Ministry of Women Affairs stated that 122 girls have been rescued by the government, 57 escaped on their own, while 97 are still in captivity.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, during a prayer meeting to mark the abduction of the girls on Friday, encouraged Nigerians to keep their hope alive.
Tallen said some of the released girls went through deradicalisation and were part of the rehabilitation and reintegration programmes designed by the ministry.
According to the minister, the programme was funded by the federal government and international partners with a committee headed by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
She added that the released girls were enrolled into the American University, Yola, and were involved in a special programme meant to help them cover lost sessions on the order of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Also speaking at the prayer meeting, Permanent Secretary, Aliyu Shinkafi said the government was committed to bringing the remaining girls held captive safely to their families.
Shinkafi who was represented by the Director, Economic Services, Idris Muhammed said rehabilitating the rescued girls and taking care of their needs were of utmost priority to the federal government.
Earlier,one of the rescued 122 Chibok school girls, Salome Pogu in tears, appreciated the minister and federal government for their efforts.
Pogu appealed to the minister and the federal Government to facilitate the release of the remaining girls in captivity.
