By Evelyn Okakwu
A group known as the Women, Peace and Security network in Borno state have condemned the abduction of female students of GGSS Chibok and other females from Dikwa and parts of the North Eastern States by suspected members of Jama’atu Ahlul Sunnah Lih Da’awati Wal Jihad (JAS).
A statement by the group through its leader Prof. Hauwa Abdu Biu said such acts are inhuman and affect efforts to enhance girl child education and development in the state and the country at large.
“The abduction of innocent young girls violates their human rights. It is a crime against humanity and is prohibited under international humanitarian law. Women in Borno State condemn in its totality such acts of violence as attacks on schools deny children their rights to learn in a safe environment, thereby jeopardising their future.
We also condemn all other attacks in the form of bomb blasts and serial killings all over the country in its entirety and commiserate with the families of all those that lost their lives during the unfortunate incidences. While calling on the sect members to please
release all those in their custody without harming them and, as a matter of urgency, lay down their arms and embrace dialogue, we wish
to assure them of our motherly support towards rehabilitating them when the need arises”. The group stated
It commended the efforts of the Federal government and that of Borno as well as other security personnel and Borno youth volunteers towards addressing the current insurgency, but called on the government to provide adequate security for schools to meet current security challenges.
