From Muhammad Ibrahim, Kaduna
As women groups continue to mount pressure on Federal Government on the need to find the abducted girls in Chibok that were kidnapped by suspected insurgents in Borno state more than two weeks ago, some groups gathered yesterday, at Murtala Square in Kaduna, for the protest.
The women, comprised of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), students groups, religious group, Women lawyers among others displayed placards with inscription such as: “Bring back our daughters”; “ Mama Patience, help our daughters”; “ Respect the future of Nigerian women”.
Others stated: “Save our girls now”; “FG, save our daughters,”; “We want our girls back,” “Reunite us with our girls” as they sang solidarity songs.
They urged the government and security agents to ensure the safe return of those children with immediate effect.
Addressing the crowd, Coordinator Coalition of Concerned Women, Kaduna branch, Hajiya Hafsat Baba called on the Federal Government and the security agencies to bring back the girls, including other women in captivity.
“These young girls are daughters, sisters, nieces; the women are mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and as those directly affected and grieved, we, as Nigerians and human beings, join them in their anguish and distress. We want them back safe in their homes where they belong.
“The poor handling of information about the exact number of girls who are still missing and women, plus the fact that as yet, no one has claimed responsibility for the abduction of these girls must not deter those with the responsibility for the safety of all Nigerians from working to find these girls where they are being held and returning them to their parents,” she said.
In her remarks, Secretary International Federation of Women Lawyers, Barrister Bukola Ajao cautioned the security agents from the use of force to rescue the girls.
She said the government should use a peaceful means to save the children without them being harm by their captors.
