TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari has described the release of 82 Chibok girls as a “pleasant second anniversary gift to Nigerians”.

The current administration will mark its second anniversary on May 29.

Speaking while receiving the girls at the presidential villa in Abuja, Buhari promised to put his best in ensuring the release of the remaining girls in captivity.

He congratulated the girls and their parents, saying he could not express how happy he felt.

“I cannot express in a few words how happy I am to welcome our dear girls back to freedom. This is a pleasant 2nd anniversary gift to the people of Nigeria,” he said.

“On behalf of all Nigerians, I’d like to share my joy with you, your parents, your relatives, friends and government of Borno state on regaining your freedom.

“The federal government would like to commend the security agencies, the Red Cross, local authorities, local and foreign NGOs and all those who contributed in one way or another to secure the release of our Chibok girls.

“Let me reassure Nigerians, especially relatives and friends of the remaining girls that the federal government will spare no effort to see that they and all other Nigerians who have been abducted safely regain their freedom.

“Finally, I am very pleased to have personally met you and let me assure you that the presidency will personally supervise the performance of those entrusted with your welfare and commitments made by the federal government on your health, education, security and general well-being.

“No human being should go through this kind of ordeal. The security agencies and state governments should continue to provide special protection to educational institutions vulnerable to this kind of outrage especially in remote areas.”

Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, said the girls have been handed over to those who will supervise their rehabilitation.

“The rehabilitation process has begun since the girls arrived in Abuja. It has started with the change of clothes medical attention and some psychological reorientation,” he said.

“They have been handed over to those who will supervise their rehabilitation. Some of them came here with them.”

On when they will be reunited with their parents, he said a laid out programme will be released.