Abducted schoolgirls’ parents protest in Abuja

Scores of bewildered parents of kidnapped pupils of the Federal Government Girls College, Chibok in Borno State, on Tuesday staged a protest at the National Assembly in Abuja. The female pupils were abducted from their hostels by suspected members of the violent sect, Boko Haram, two weeks ago. 

The protesting women, who wore black dresses and carried placards, lamented the continued stay of their children in the custody of the insurgents, fearing that the girls might have been defiled. Leader of the parents, Mrs. Duomi Mukhtar, said the essence of their visit to the National Assembly was to further draw global attention to their predicament.

She called on the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly to be sympathetic to their plight by asking the Federal Government and the military authorities to ensure the immediate release of their daughters. Four senators-Hellen Esuene, Zainab Kure, Barnabas Gemade and Ali Ndume- addressed the protesters on behalf of the Senate President, David Mark. 

The senators assured the women of their support for the Federal Government to ensure the safe release of the girls. Ndume, who is also from Borno State, said, “Our thoughts and prayers go to all of you because we are one of you. We stand united in grief with you in your hour of pain, agony and anxiety. 

“We will do everything possible to make sure that the kidnappers release our daughters immediately, unconditionally.” The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Zainab Maina, who also addressed the women, urged them to remain prayerful as the Federal Government and the military authorities would ensure that the innocent girls are reconciled with their parents.