Borno youths protest inability to rescue abducted schoolgirls

Many indigenes and members of the Kibaku Youth Association of Nigeria from Chibok LGA of Borno State where girls were recently abducted from a Federal Government College by Boko Haram members yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the office of the Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, demanding release of the girls.

They appealed to the governor to pass their grievances to President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State to ensure the safe return of the girls.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Yahaya Chiwar said the decision to take their grievances to the Lagos governor was because of his outstanding record in securing lives and property of residents of the state.

Chiwar added that what was more alarming was that after the parents of the abducted girls took it upon themselves to conduct a search of the forest, they discovered the camp where the insurgents were holding the girls and immediately reported to the appropriate authorities, but were disappointed that the federal government failed to take action.

“We are deeply affected and touched by the incident as we are the abducted girls’ brothers and sisters in Lagos. Our hearts bleed over this tragedy that befell the innocent girls who are mostly our blood cousins and sisters and future leaders and mothers of our unborn generations. More worrisome is the seemingly relaxed attitude of the federal government and its relevant agencies,” Chiwar said.

Responding, Fashola

who spoke in an emotion laden voice, commended the protesters for their courage to stand up for the girls and condemned the abduction, describing it as a clear act of hostagetaking which is unthinkable and dehumanising.

He however cautioned the protesters against promoting the notion that nothing was being done to rescue them, saying it is likely that the authorities are being careful not to take steps that would hurt the girls in the rescue process. Fashola urged parents of the girls not to lose hope on their safe return.

Before leaving the Lagos House, the youths who came with some women and children, presented a letter signed by their National President, Moses Zakwa, to Governor Fashola for onward presentation to President Goodluck Jonathan.