The group of women at the vanguard of the agitation for the release of abducted Chibok girls reacted yesterday to the ceasefire deal allegedly struck with the Boko Haram sect by asking the Federal Government to ensure that other Nigerians in the custody of the sect are released alongside the school girls.
A statement signed by Obiageli Ezekwesili, Hadiza Bala Usman, Maryam Uwais and Saudatu Mahdi on behalf of the Bring-Back-Our-Girls campaigners said they hoped that the abducted 219 girls would be released in a matter of days.
The statement reads: “Local and international news media have been awash with news that the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Boko Haram Sect have reached a ceasefire (agreement), which also includes the release of the 219 abducted Chibok girls.
“While we await official confirmation from our President over this development, we are extremely anxious but cautiously optimistic that the abducted Chibok girls will be released swiftly or at least in a matter of days.
“Beyond the release of the Chibok girls, we call on the FG to also ensure the release of all other Nigerians and non-Nigerians that have been abducted by the sect before and after the Chibok girls were kidnapped.
“We hope that the ceasefire will allow for dialogue, peace and an atmosphere that will promote the rapid development of the North East sector while continuing to prioritise the education of children, especially girls.
“Early evidence of the workings of the ceasefire will help considerably to boost public confidence. So we encourage the FG to release as much information as possible, within reasonable constraints
“The #BringBackOurGirls Abuja Movement will continue to monitor the situation and provide any update as events unfold. We thank all our partners and supporters globally who’ve supported the movement since inception and continue to do so till date.
“As promised on April 30, 2014, we will not stop our campaign until our Girls are Back and Alive.”
