#BringBackOurGirls Statement
#BBOGCountdownToMay29
Weeks 2 and 3: 26 April – 9 May 2015
10 May 2015
Today is Day 391 since the abduction of our #ChibokGirls from their dormitory in Government Secondary School (GSS), Chibok on 14 April 2014. It is also Week 3 of our #BBOGCountdownToMay29 which as would be recalled is our monitoring initiative of the National Security Adviser’s bold assertion on 14 April 2015, that our abducted Chibok schoolgirls would be rescued and returned home safely before the May 29 handover date to the incoming government. We therefore have been tracking everything that is reported by credible and verifiable media sources regarding the counterinsurgency effort. We aggregate, organise, digest and analyse objectively to see if we are on track in achieving this set target as declared by the NSA. We remain committed to seeing this through to the very end.
Below are our observations and concerns of the 2 preceding weeks:
- MATTERS ARISING
- The return of up to 1 000 citizens, especially women and children from Sambisa Forest:
We stated clearly 10 days ago, at the occasion of our one-year commemorative lecture that we find it heartwarming that our citizens who were in captivity with our common enemies are being returned; totalling up to 1 000 presently. We however find it distressing that precious Nigerian citizens up to such a large number were missing but our Federal Government/military had never deemed it important to mention for once. As a matter of fact, even when asked to confirm the veracity of media reports to that effect, they either kept mute or denied; but always treated such enquiries from us with antagonism.
We shall be coming up with a comprehensive and in-depth, position on this issue on a date to be communicated in due course.
- Conflicting narrative on the rescue mission in Sambisa Forest:
Media reports quote unnamed government sources who relate that Nigerian troops were fired on by some women during the rescue operation from Sambisa Forest. This raises concerns about earlier reports on how they were rescued. Again, we demand the truth and total transparency from our government concerning this operation:
– Would our military confirm this true either to be true or false?
This also raises grave concern about what we warned about close to a year ago: the issue of our abducted #ChibokGirls potentially developing the Stockholm syndrome — in this context, a condition whereby ours abducted girls who are victims, having stayed too long with the terrorists would buy into their warped ideology, “understand” with them and sympathise with them.
This is not a matter to be downplayed, covered up or taken for granted.
– Were there casualties during the rescue exercise?
– Where are the terrorists that held the abductees in captivity?
- Discovery of mass killings of hundreds:
The media had reported the mopping up of over 400 fresh bodies of men, women and children, killed and scattered around Damasak on Monday 27 April, 2015. This fresh (report) is one more reason why the FG/military must not only allow for independent and more transparent reportage of the on-going counterinsurgency operations, but must be seen to encourage it. This is standard practice. This will help keep citizens abreast of communities that are still totally unsafe for habitation as our gallant troops continue to battle the insurgents. At it stands, the singular source for information on this sensitive mission, namely the Directorate of Defence Information and/or the Defence PR consultant does not measure up to international best practice.
- Worsening humanitarian conditions in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and settlements:
There has been a report of the dearth of basic amenities like food, water and shelter at the Kuje IDP settlement, as well as others. This highlights the gap in the management of the welfare of innocent citizens who have been forced out of their homes and communities in the northeast by insurgents. There are still many more camps and settlements in and around the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Taraba and Gombe states. We reiterate the responsibility of government does not stop at rescuing citizens from terror. Nigeria must protect the dignity of vulnerable citizens and victims of terror.
- Two terrorists attacked College of Administration and Business Studies, Potiskum the day before yesterday, Friday 8 May. One of them, a suicide bomber detonated at the car park dying in the process. The other, a gun man was apprehended and handed over to the police. A few students were wounded by gun shots and a many more while trying to escape. Happily, there were no fatalities this time.
We commend citizens for vigilance, alertness and for acting proactively. We the citizens must always take responsibility for our security and cooperate with the security forces for the best results. We also commend them for their civility, and for believing in the system by not lynching the apprehended terrorist to death, but him over to the constituted authourities — the Nigerian Police Force.
To the police, we demand that the case of this apprehended terrorist must not die or be buried as that of all the numerous others earlier apprehended. The handling of apprehended suspected terrorists has always being shoddy, opaque and leaving much to be desired. For instance, since 30 June 2014, Major-Genenal Chris Olukolade, the Defence spokesman announced that a key terrorist operative, Babuji Ya’ari had been apprehended in connection with the abduction of our Chibok girls on 14 April 2014, and was in custody. Close to 11 months later, we have heard nothing about what he may have rreveals. Our girls whom he was said to have partaken in their abduction are not back; and terrorism has continued. Presently, we do not know if he is dead or alive, and if we gained anything from his arrest.
Likewise, 2 weeks ago, one “Abu Mujahid” a terrorist “top commander” was said to have been apprehended. We have been demanding for his image and profile. This is basic. The least that ought to be done without being asked to. Of this also we have been demanding and waiting for answers. These are 2 of so many examples. However, we will not stop demanding.
The police therefore must this time justify the confidence placed in them, by being transparent and professional in handling this process. This will help boost public confidence and increase cooperation, and therefore better results in combatting our common enemies and winning.
- The Key Issue: WHERE ARE OUR #CHIBOKGIRLS?
For us as an advocacy, this is, and always remains the key issue — where are our #ChibokGirls? We are particularly concerned that there has been an uneasy quietness on this pressing issue in the past weeks. We reiterate as we have repeatedly stated previously that our #ChibokGirls are THE symbol. Their rescue and safe return is what proves that we are succeeding in the counterinsurgency effort; and more broadly, that our government is fulfiling its reason for existence, namely: the security and welfare of citizens.
- CONCLUSION
From every indication, it appears that the terrorists are under immense pressure, and are getting desperate. We encourage our gallant men and women of the military in the frontlines, and the Civilian JTF to stay strong and sustain this momentum. Their daily efforts are deeply appreciated.
For us, in the #BringBackOurGirls movement, there shall be no retreat no surrender of our advocacy until our #ChibokGirls are rescued by the government of Nigeria. Our demand is, and remains “Bring Back Our Girls Now and Alive!”
We remind that today is 10 May 2015; 19 days to May 29 the handover date.
Signed:
For and on behalf of #BringBackOurGirls
Oby Ezekwesili
Hadiza Bala Usman
