On Sunday, May 7, 2017, Nigeria celebrated the release of 82 kidnapped Chibok girls. The president had said last month that the government was in negotiations to secure the release of the remaining girls and other abducted persons. Apparently, those negotiations resulted in the release of the girls, as they were exchanged for some Boko Haram militants.
During his welcome address yesterday, President Buhari said, “This is a pleasant second-anniversary gift to the people of Nigeria. I cannot express in a few words how happy I am to welcome our dear girls back to freedom. On behalf of all Nigerians, I’d like to share my joy with you, your parents, your relatives, friends and government of Borno State on regaining your freedom.” He also commended Security Agencies, the Red Cross Society, local authorities, and both local and foreign NGOs for their contribution towards securing the girls’ release.
But amidst the celebration of the girls’ return, some have expressed scepticism over the timing of the event, describing it as a distraction from the government. A Facebook user referenced the fact that women and children were rescued from Boko Haram at this same time last year. According to him, it is “a miracle that is always reserved for the May 29th celebration,” the day President Buhari was sworn in as president.
“Recall that few days to 29th May 2016, some healthy, well nourished, gallant ladies were purportedly released by Boko Haram. Plan B has been unveiled for this year; come May 29, 2017, APC must give us something to celebrate at all cost. This government is not only dumb but also spiceless; same trick, same method, same timing. Ladies and gentlemen, they were kidnapped to win elections; they are being released in batches to distract, and win applause. The scorecard is empty, so something must get us distracted,” this user posted on Facebook.
Also, political and security analyst, Ryan Cummings, has said that the timing of the girls return seems to have bought the president some PR capital, as he promptly announced his return to the United Kingdom for another medical leave after he received the girls at the villa.
Seems that the timing of the #ChibokGirls release has bought President Buhari some PR capital ahead of another extended medical stay https://t.co/4mok5Dua49
— Ryan Cummings (@Pol_Sec_Analyst) May 8, 2017
However, as many brood over the timing and dynamics surrounding the return of the girls, and whether or not it is some form of strategy of the administration, the general reaction to their release is of joy and a sense of renewed hope. Every day since the 14th of April 2014, members of the BringBackOurGirls campaign group have marched through streets across the country to commemorate the girls’ absence. These commemorations have been disheartening, and for a while, many, including former president Olusegun Obasanjo, lost hope that the girls would ever return.
So far, of 276 girls kidnapped, there have been 57 escapees, 103 released, and three found. This leaves 113 girls in the captivity of Boko Haram.
