A decade following the abduction of 276 female students from Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, the families of the remaining 87 captives remain steadfast in their hope for their safe return to the community.
This hopeful sentiment was expressed by Allen Manasseh, spokesperson for the affected community, during a virtual event commemorating the 70th birthday of Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili, husband of former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili.
The abduction, which occurred on April 14, 2014, saw 57 of the schoolgirls managing to escape, aided mostly by jumping off moving trucks and fleeing into the surrounding bushes.
Both local and international media, along with political leaders and activists, exerted pressure on former President Goodluck Jonathan to rescue the abducted girls, offering intelligence and support in the process.
In an update on the situation, Manasseh revealed that while 132 of the Chibok girls have been recovered, there is still a lingering hope for the return of the remaining 87. He credited the Ezekwesilis and other supportive individuals for their sacrifices and enduring efforts over the past decade.
Political activist Rinu Oduala also praised the celebrant and his wife for their selfless contributions, describing Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili as a guiding light in the lives of many, even those he has not met personally.
Echoing similar sentiments, former Head of Communications at the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Okey Ikechukwu, lauded Pastor Ezekwesili’s humility and strength of character, emphasizing his genuine concern for the welfare of others.
In response to the accolades, Ezekwesili expressed humility, stating that he felt like an outsider listening to the tributes given in his honor.
