TheCable

Sadiya Umar Farouq, minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, has reassured the parents of the Chibok girls still in captivity, that the government is keen on ensuring their safe return.

More than 200 students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state, were abducted by insurgents on April 14, 2014.

While some of the girls have regained their freedom, over 100 are still in captivity.

In a statement to mark the seventh anniversary since the abduction, the minister said the government will continue to make efforts to bring back those still in the custody of the insurgents.

“Let me assure the parents of the Chibok girls, Sharibu, and other abductees, that this government has not forgotten about them,” she said.

“We have heard your demands and the responsible ministries and agencies will respond on behalf of the government.

“All our children deserve quality formal education. Our country needs them to be educated for our development. No one should have to choose between school and safety.

“We will employ all our efforts to give every Nigerian child the opportunity to rise out of poverty and attain their ambitions through education.

“Half of the Chibok girls have been rescued and reunited with their families and have resumed their education. We will continue working to bring back those left behind.”