TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to the parents of the 217 female students of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state, abducted by Boko Haram militants, to exercise patience with his administration.

Buhari, who assured them that he shared their pains, said security agencies will continue to explore all possible options for the safe return of their children.

The president also asked religious and civil organisations to continue to pray for the girls.

“On the second anniversary of the kidnap of the girls, President Buhari affirms that, as a parent and leader of the country, he understands the torment, frustration and anxiety of the parents and will not spare any effort to ensure the safe return of the girls,” read a statement issued on the president’s behalf by Garba  Shehu, his senior special assistant on media and publicity.

“He assured the parents and relations of the schoolgirls that he frequently reflects on the ordeal of the captives in the hands of Boko Haram terrorists and shares the pain of their continued absence from home.

“President Buhari notes that thousands of persons, mostly women and children, who were kidnapped by Boko Haram, have already been rescued and reunited with their families. He shares the hope of the parents that the Chibok girls will ultimately be rescued and reunited with their families as well.”