Sadly! Would it go the way of the #missingN20B? will it go the way of National Conference which is still on by the way but not as reported as when it started? I say No. Not because Nigeria or the Nigerian press has changed but because everyone the world over is eager to know where this sad tale will end. There were so many theories as i have reported here and all these have warped our thought process. A reminder and the questions:
It was in the wake of April 15th. We woke to the news of abducted Chibok school girls writing their final year exams in Borno state.
The reality didnt hit every other person they way it would have hit the families of these girls but 15days after then, the most popular hashtag in recent years became our tune on all fronts. Illustrations, write ups, hashtags, graphics, personal messages,tweets, facebook messages, pintrests, sms's Broadcast messages,calls and discussions centred on #BringBackOurGirls.
The horror of their experience pushed mothers to the streets from all over the world. One after the other, placards were held up speaking one language. #BringBackourgirls. I even read a tweet by the Nigerian Police Force say same and i wondered who they were looking up to or even appealing to. The #BringBackOurGirls call was to every security outfit.
The president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan told the world in a presidential media chat that he didn't know where the girls were and made a public appeal to anyone who knew there whereabouts to . Abubakar Shekau, the purported leader of the dreaded BokoHaram( purported because the SSS is sure he was killed), released a video saying the girls were in his custody and would be sold into slavery or for marriage at the market where humans were sold. Soon after that release, a lot of debate and international attention was on Nigeria and he followed with another video in this case showing the pictures of the 'converted girls to islam' and demanding an exchange with the Boko Haram members who were in prison.
The US, UK, France and China have since joined in the search and rescue of the girls.
After 30days, the #BringBackourgirls campaign which has vowed to protest peacefully till the girls return, had a night vigil in their honour. Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili stated that the vigil was organised to enable both Christians and Muslims alike to cry in one voice to God for the safe return of the 234 girls who have been missing for a month now.
The event allowed people more especially parents and relations of the abducted girls to air their views on new developments and how the abduction has affected their lives.
Speaking to the people, one of the parents of the abducted children, Rev Enoch Mark, whose two daughters were abducted, stated that he was yet to identify his daughters from the video released by the Boko Haram sect, adding that the number of people who have come out to rally round the Chibok community has given him hope.
‘’I am happy that you are here clamouring for our daughters’ return. When I see you people, I have hope. It is not about religion. Let us pray for our president and for those who surround him. The problem happened to Chibok but the world has rallied round us.”
That these girls are abducted is not in doubt but this is Nigeria and with all the evidences many still consider it political. It is sad very sad that lives have become an object of trade for political ambitions.
Thirty-two days after these girls are still at large...or do i say still in the camp of Boko Haram?
Thirty-two days after, what is happening to these girls?
As girls, what kind of hygiene are they exposed to?
Would they be assaulted? Would they not be assaulted?
What kind of health issues will they be faced with?
Thirty-two days after their abduction and we are asking...when will they be found?
Hope they come back alive and whole?
And if they do can they fit into the society?
Will they ever overcome their trauma?
Will they ever feel whole enough to live normal lives?
And if they girls get released, we pray that they will not be stigmatized?
Oh! The fate of the the ChibokGilrs...we await answers to these questions and many more
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