UN's plans for released Chibok girls, other victims

The released girls filled with emotions as they meet their parents about 2 years after abduction

UN Sec General

The United Nations has restated its unflinching support to Nigeria to enable the country overcome its security challenges and to properly re-settle millions of displaced persons, especially in  the north East region, which is  ravaged by the Boko Haram Islamic terrorist group.

This came from the Director of UN Information Center in Nigeria, Mr. Ronald Kayanja in an interview  with our correspondent on the 21 of the abducted Chibok girls that regained their freedom.

According to Kayanja , "although there is a lot publicity around the 221 Chibok girls that were abducted, there are  too many others who have been abducted.

"There are millions of children , women and even men who have been displaced and  who need a lot  of support. And there are even a lot more children who can't get enough food to eat.

"We are supporting and we will keep supporting Nigeria We are working very closely with government agencies including the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA to make sure they are re-settled and well taken cared of".

Kayanja who described the security problem in Nigeria as a nightmare and  something that should not be happening in the country ,  stated that the UN was happy to receive the news about the release of some of the girls and encouraged the government to continue in its efforts so that the others are also released.

"We received the news of the release of the Chibok girls like anyone else , from the media. We are so happy that this happened.

"As you can see, their parents are celebrating after what could be described as a nightmare for the parents and the community involved.

"We encourage the government to continue so that the others are also released. So we are very happy that this happened and we believe that the others will also come out.

"And we are also working to ensure that the girls who are released receive maximum support , so that they are integrated in the society.

"We are very much willing to support in whatever way that the United Nations can support Nigeria to make it overcomes this challenge. This is a nightmare indeed to the parents and the community. This is not something that should be happening in Nigeria".


Meanwhile , a statement made available to news men by the UN National Information Officer, in Lagos Nigeria , Mr. Oluseyi Soremekun, says the Secretary-General welcomes the reported release of 21 Chibok schoolgirls, following more than two years of captivity.

 It further says that Mr. Ban Ki-Moon ki-Mon  remains deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of the remaining schoolgirls and other victims of abduction by Boko Haram, who are still in captivity.

"The Secretary-General welcomes the reported release of 21 Chibok schoolgirls, following more than two years of captivity.  He remains deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of the remaining schoolgirls and other victims of abduction by Boko Haram, who are still in captivity.

"The Secretary-General urges the international community to continue supporting the government of Nigeria in its efforts to secure their release, rehabilitation and re integration. He calls for increased efforts to ensure additional humanitarian access in the north-east of Nigeria, and reiterates the continued commitment of the United Nations in this regard.

"The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, in his capacity as High Representative for Nigeria, continues to engage with the Nigerian authorities and international partners on this matter".


By Innocent Onoh