UN Calls For Release Of Chibok Girls

Ban ki-Moon-John Chukwu

The United Nations (UN) has called for the unconditional release of the abducted Chibok girls 500 days after they were kidnapped from their school by Islamist sect Boko Haram.

The girls were abducted from their school in Chibok community, Borno State on April 14, 2014.

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Addressing State House Correspondent after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, the UN Secretary General, Mr. Bank Ki Moon who was in Nigeria on a two day working visit stated that the world shared the fate of the abducted school children.

“I expressed my solidarity again with the Nigerian people so that United Nations will work together to address the encountering extremism and terrorism. This week marks the 500 days of the kidnap of the Chibok girls. I want to reiterate my support for the Chibok girls and so many other innocent abducted girls and boys whose names and fate remain unknown.

“It is intolerable that their lives and schooling have been disrupted in this way. The whole world has been moved by their fate. I once again call with the strongest terms on those responsible to unconditionally release these girls and many other abducted children,” Ban Ki-Moon said.

He hailed the administration of President Buhari for evolving a strategic plan at annihilating the insurgents in Nigeria. He also called for collaboration of forces amongst the countries of the world in fighting terrorism.

“Terrorism knows no boundary and no bounds. Today, I lay the wreath in memory of Nigerians and other victims. More than ever, collaboration is indispensable in addressing this message and crimes. The President has made regional engagement efforts and I am hopeful that for the rapid operational direction of the Multinational Joint Task Force.

“In his inaugural speech, President Buhari eloquently recognize that human rights are important parts of the counter insurgency response and operations should be conducted with the full respect for rights, humanitarian and refugee law. At the same time, we know that military operations alone with not be sufficient.

“President Buhari and I also discussed efforts at addressing the roots causes by tackling social economic grievances in the North East in particularly through expansion of educational and employment opportunities for young people. There is an agreement by UN member states on the sustainable development agenda and on the Adis Ababa action agenda will provide further financing increase to help Nigeria on its agenda for change,” Ban Ki-Moon said.