Nigeria solemnly marked the 10th anniversary of the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction on Sunday, April 14th, 2024. On April 14th, 2014, Boko Haram militants stormed the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, kidnapping 276 girls in a horrific act that shocked the world.
A decade of raw grief and unwavering hope collided on Sunday as parents of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls marked the 10th anniversary of their daughters’ disappearance. Today, 82 girls remain captive. Some who escaped or were released have spoken of forced marriages and brutality.
In Chibok, tearful prayers and solemn memorials painted a picture of a community forever scarred. Relatives gathered for prayers and memorials, their hope flickering but not extinguished. About 30 parents have died since the incident, while awaiting the return of their daughters.
For parents like Amina Nkenki, the pain remains constant. “I am in pain. My worries will not go away until I see her. My sight is diminishing due to crying and lack of sleep,” Nkenki said of her missing daughter, Hauwa, echoing the sentiment of countless others. Many expressed anger and frustration at the perceived lack of progress in securing their daughters’ release.
The anniversary has reignited calls for renewed action. The United States government reiterated its support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts and programs for the released girls. However, human rights groups such as Amnesty International have been critical. They accuse the Nigerian government of failing to learn lessons from the tragedy and neglecting measures to prevent similar abductions.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
