Moses Ofodeme
The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has reinforced hope on possible rescue of the schoolgirls abducted from Chibok, a town in the state, as well as other abductees.
Zulum, raised the hope in a statement issued on Wednesday, April 14.
Zulum, said that as a father, he can’t imagine the pains of having one’s daughter held by terrorists for as long as seven years.
He called for prayers for the girls and everyone in abduction; and for peace to be fully and permanently restored in Borno.
The Governor said, “As a father of daughters, I can’t even imagine the pains of having one’s daughter held by terrorists for as long as seven whole years.
“However, I urge parents, especially anyone with a female child to pause for a while, no matter how brief; to imagine how it might feel to have one’s daughter abducted; and held for more than 2,549 days so far. Imagine how parents and relations of these girls have been feeling in each of these days.
“Certainly, the mental torture of not knowing the fate of one’s daughter in the hands of Boko Haram is far worse than losing a child.
“No parent can ever lose hope in a missing child, and having that hope comes with so much pains of anxiety and depression.
“Parents of Chibok schoolgirls have been devastated yet they have demonstrated faith and strength; in the hope of reconnecting with our missing daughters. They deserve our continued empathy, our compassion, our support; and most importantly, sharing their optimism.
“As a father of all sons and daughters of Borno, I haven’t lost hope; that our remaining Chibok schoolgirls and other abducted persons, will be safely recovered.
“From my series of interactions with the President, Commander in Chief, Muhammadu Buhari, I have seen in him; that he is as concerned as the parents of the Chibok and all of us.
“Countless times, the President has shown me that he is not losing hope on the Chibok girls. He says to me although a number of our girls were reunited with their parents and being catered for; by the Federal Government, he is not happy until the remaining girls are freed.
“I believe the President and I urge everyone in Borno to sustain prayers for those girls and everyone in abduction to be safely freed; and for peace to be fully and permanently restored in Borno.
