Twelve years after the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State, parents of the victims have renewed calls for urgent international intervention to rescue the remaining 87 girls under captivity.
This was revealed in an open letter by the parents, through Yana Galang and Zanna Lawan, on Tuesday.The letter reminded the stakeholders of the remaining 87 abducted girls still held in captivity, describing their continued captivity as a painful reminder of unfulfilled commitments by both national and global stakeholders.
The parents urged the Federal Government to intensify ongoing efforts aimed at rescuing the girls,while appealing to the United Nations and international partners to sustain attention on the case.
“We want to once again passionately call on the Nigerian government to sustain and strengthen efforts to locate the missing girls and to ensure accountability. We are also urging the United Nations and international partners to maintain attention on the case and support measures aimed at protecting children in conflict-affected areas,” the letter reads.
On April 14,2013, Boko Haram terrorists kidnapped about 246 schoolgirls during an invasion at Government Girls Secondary School,Chibok,Borno State.Another set of girls were abducted in Dapchi,Yobe State in 2018.
School Abduction Threaten Enrollment in Northern Nigeria.
The Northern region boast of the highest number of out of school children due to numerous factors including poverty,early marriage, insecurity and high birth rate.
On November 17, 2025, an armed group attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, Kebbi State, Nigeria.
The assailants abducted 25 female students and killed two staff members, including the Vice Principal, Mallam Hassan Yakubu Makuku.
It was reported that troops of the Nigerian Army allegedly visited the school upon receiving active intelligence of an imminent abduction, but the assailants attacked the school immediately after the troops were withdrawn a moment before the attack.
On Friday, November 21, 2025 armed bandits stormed St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting over 300 students and teachers.
With insecurity ravaging the North West, North East and Central region,the number of school enrollment especially in conflict prone areas may drop as parents will prefer keeping their children in their custody to ensure their safety.
Survivors celebrate milestone achievements.
Survivors of the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls by Boko Haram terrorists, currently studying at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, Adamawa State, have celebrated the 12th anniversary of the tragic incident that occurred on April 14, 2014.
In a statement issued to the media, the survivors made a strong call to global stakeholders to prioritize the education of young girls, stressing that capacity building equips them to confront life’s challenges and overcome adversity.
“This year marks the 12th anniversary of our abduction and how far we have come. Although the experience was deeply traumatic, we want the world to know that we are more than our fears” the statement reads
Remembering their ordeals, the group declared: “We are more than our fears,” a message symbolizing their journey from trauma to resilience.
They noted the transformative power of education, urging governments and stakeholders to invest more in the development and empowerment of women and girls as a pathway to building confidence and resisting oppression.
” We represent hope and resilience for women and girls who have faced similar experiences. Education has helped shape us in many positive ways since then,” the statement added
The group noted that through education, they have acquired knowledge, skills, and confidence, enabling their voices to be heard. They added that they hope and wish for such an opportunity for other girls in similar circumstances.
They also celebrated a major milestone, announcing that 12 of their colleagues are set to graduate this month from the American University of Nigeria.
We appreciate the Federal Government of Nigeria, the American University of Nigeria, and all individuals who have supported and encouraged us over the years. We do not take this for granted,” they added
They also urged the global community to invest in girls’ education, emphasizing education as a critical pathway to building a more stable and inclusive society where individuals have the opportunity to realise their full potential.
“It is never too late for those still in captivity to regain their freedom and rebuild their lives,” the statement concluded
Foundation calls for sustained efforts to rescue 87 girls under captivity
Also, a leading campaign organisation for the rescue of the girls,Murtala Muhammad Foundation,in a letter addressed to the media and global community has expressed concern over waning accountability and global attention,12 years after the abduction of the girls.
“The passage of time has not lessened the uncertainty faced by those still waiting for answers,” the letter reads
The foundation also warned that incessant abductions of schoolchildren across the country has instilled fear among families and weakened confidence in the safety of education, particularly for girls in conflict-affected areas.
“What Chibok exposed was not only a security failure, but a failure of sustained attention—the inability to begin and to finish, to respond and to follow through,” it added.
It called on the Federal Government to increase efforts to locate the remaining girls and ensure transparency in its response.
It also urged the United Nations and the international community to renew coordinated support aimed at protecting children and safeguarding education.
Chibok must not be remembered only as a tragedy. It must remain a call to action. Until every missing girl is accounted for, this responsibility remains unfinished,” it reads
