By John Umeh
On April 14, 2025, Nigeria commemorated the 11th anniversary of the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State. In a poignant gesture, the Nigerian government awarded N10 million to the parents of the abducted girls, acknowledging their enduring pain and resilience.
A Decade of Pain and Resilience
The abduction, carried out by Boko Haram militants, shocked the world and sparked the global #BringBackOurGirls campaign. While many of the girls have since been rescued or escaped captivity, as of April 2024, 82 remained missing, with their whereabouts still unknown .
Government’s Support and Commitment
In addition to the financial support, the Nigerian government has made various efforts to assist the affected families. For instance, in 2016, then-First Lady Aisha Buhari presented N30 million in cash support to the parents, emphasizing that the funds were meant to alleviate their suffering and not as compensation
Furthermore, in 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared that Nigeria would no longer pay ransoms to kidnappers, signaling a firm stance against such practices .
Despite these efforts, many parents continue to grapple with the trauma of their daughters’ abduction. Activists and community leaders have called for more comprehensive measures to ensure the safe return of the remaining girls and to prevent future abductions.
The 11th anniversary serves as a solemn reminder of the enduring pain of the Chibok community and the ongoing need for concerted efforts to bring all the girls home.
