By Abdul Kareem

Nearly a decade after the harrowing abduction of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram insurgents in Chibok town of Borno State, northeast Nigeria, 89 of these girls remain in captivity.

The lingering plight of these young women casts a shadow over the 10th anniversary of the kidnapping, as officials of the Borno state government recommit to their promise of bringing the remaining girls home.

Borno State’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, had a press conference that was held at the NUJ House in Maiduguri, marking the grim milestone.

“This painful date is engrained in our collective memory and we shall not rest on our oars until the last of our innocent girls are back home with their families,” he declared, emphasizing the state government’s dedication to the ongoing rescue efforts.

To date, 187 of the initial 276 abducted girls have been rescued and reintegrated into society.

The Borno State Government said it has been instrumental in providing rehabilitation and education, with 16 recently rescued girls currently enrolled in the 2nd Chance School to learn vocational skills.

Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, Borno state Commissioner of Women affairs and Social Development, provided further details on the rescued girls.

“Out of the 276 abducted Chibok Girls, 187 have been rescued and reunited with their families,” she explained. She added that many of the girls have benefited from educational opportunities and scholarships, both locally and abroad.

However, the question of why some Chibok girls remain in government custody was risen during the press briefing. Commissioner Gambo acknowledged that of the 20 originally in their care, four chose to stay with their parents after a visit. The rest continue to receive support as they transition into adulthood and motherhood.

As the search continues for the 89 still missing, the Borno State Government calls for unity and support from all citizens.

“We remain hopeful and determined that, with the combined efforts of our security forces, intelligence agencies, and community support, all abducted persons will be safely returned,” Professor Tar stated.