Fading Hope: The Unfulfilled Promise Of Buhari’s Chibok Girls Rescue Pledge

By Bernard Joseph

In the quiet town of Chibok, an ominous shadow loomed overhead as a group of militants from the dreaded terrorist organization Boko Haram descended upon a school on the 14th day of April in the year 2014. In a swift and violent assault, 276 young girls, brimming with hope and ambition, were snatched away, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. This callous act ignited a fierce international outcry as the world bore witness to the pain and sorrow of a nation united in their fervent demand for justice. With the thunderous roar of #BringBackOurGirls echoing across social media, a powerful message was sent, a plea for the safe and swift return of the innocent abductees.

A haunting memory lingers in the hearts and minds of Nigerians, etched deep within their souls – the abduction that shook the world to its core. It serves as a poignant reminder of the harrowing security challenges that still plague the country, especially in the northeast, where Boko Haram insurgents have unleashed a relentless wave of terror, striking fear into the hearts of civilians and security forces alike.

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As the fiery flames of despair threatened to engulf the nation, a ray of hope emerged in the form of a presidential candidate with a solemn pledge – to bring back the Chibok girls from the clutches of the nefarious Boko Haram insurgents. His words stirred the hearts of many Nigerians, who placed their trust and belief in him, eagerly awaiting the day when their daughters, sisters, and friends would be safely returned to their loving embrace. In the midst of a raging battle against the forces of terror, Buhari made a vow to prioritize the fight against Boko Haram and ensure the swift and secure rescue of the Chibok girls.

Amidst a nation gripped by turmoil and uncertainty, a new dawn was heralded as Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in as the President of Nigeria on May 29, 2015. Yet, for the families of the Chibok girls, the dawn brought no solace or comfort, for their beloved daughters remained trapped in a living nightmare, held captive by the ruthless Boko Haram. Nine long and painful years have passed, and the echoes of their cries for help still resonate across the land, a piercing reminder of the government’s failure to protect its citizens. While a few of the girls have been fortunate enough to escape their captors, the majority continue to languish in captivity, forced into marriages or used as human shields.

In the wake of this painful realization, critics raised their voices in anger, accusing the government of turning a blind eye to the plight of the girls and failing to address the root causes of the Boko Haram insurgency. As the cries for justice grew louder, the government’s response remained muted, further fueling the flames of discontent and disillusionment among the people.

In a heart-wrenching tale of hope and despair, the Chibok girls continue to languish in captivity, despite the government’s unyielding efforts to negotiate with the nefarious Boko Haram and launch daring military operations against them. In 2018, a glimmer of hope emerged as the government announced the release of 104 of the girls in exchange for the release of some of the militants. However, even amidst the celebrations, the joy was bittersweet, as some of the girls remained unaccounted for, their fates shrouded in uncertainty. The government’s handling of the negotiations came under heavy scrutiny, with some criticizing their leniency towards the terrorists and questioning the moral cost of such deals.

Between December 2020 and March 2021, there have been at least five reported cases of abductions in northern Nigeria, including from schools, at Kankara, Kagara, Jangebe, Damishi Kaduna, Tegina, and Yawuri while the threat of further attacks has led to the closure of over 600 schools in the north of the country. Buhari’s handling of insecurity in Nigeria has faced criticism from various quarters, including political opponents, civil society groups, and international organizations.

One of the main criticisms levelled against Buhari is his perceived lack of effective action in tackling the security challenges facing the country. Despite promises to end the Boko Haram insurgency and other forms of violence, the security situation has deteriorated under his watch, with new forms of insecurity emerging, such as banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and farmer-herder conflicts.

Some critics have accused Buhari of being too slow to act in responding to security challenges in certain parts of the country, particularly in the north, where attacks by bandits and insurgents have led to the displacement of millions of people. The perceived marginalization of certain ethnic and religious groups in the allocation of security appointments has also fueled criticism of Buhari’s security policies.

As the clock ticks down to the end of his tenure, President Buhari faces a barrage of criticism and calls for urgent action to address the deepening crisis of insecurity in the nation. From the dusty streets of the north to the glittering cities of the south, Nigerians share a common perception that the Buhari administration has failed to live up to its promise of safeguarding their lives and property. The drumbeat of violence and bloodshed echoes across the land, fueling fears of a nation adrift, its people lost, and its future uncertain. Against this backdrop of despair, the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, waits in the wings, poised to take the reins of power on May 29th.

If Buhari does indeed transfer power to Tinubu on May 29th without fulfilling his promise to rescue the Chibok girls, it could undermine the public’s trust in the government’s ability to address security challenges and fulfill its promises.

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Finally, Buhari’s failure to keep his promise to bring back the Chibok girls is a tragic reminder of the ongoing threat posed by Boko Haram in Nigeria. The plight of the Chibok girls has become a symbol of the wider struggle for peace and security in the region, and their safe return remains a top priority for many Nigerians and the international community.

Bernard Joseph writes for Eko Hot Blog. This media platform reserves all rights to this article.

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