Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has received Ruth Pogu, one of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted seven years ago at a Government Secondary School in Chibok.
Ruth, alongside someone she was said to have married during her captivity, surrendered themselves to the Nigerian military on 28th July, 2021 at a location in Bama.
In a statement by the spokesman of the Governor, Isa Gusau says security and government officials kept the development, secret and used the last ten days to contact her parents and association of parents of the missing schoolgirls in order to ascertain her identity.
The statement adds that the Governor received the Chibok girl at the government House, in the presence of overwhelmed parents who reunited with her.
Governor Zulum said reuniting with Ruth was a boost to keeping the hopes of parents, other family members and the Borno State alive that others still in captivity, will be safely found and in good health.
According to the statement, the state government will undertake a rehabilitation and reintegration programme that will focus on her health, psychosocial well being and her chosen path to a productive future.
The Governor commiserated with families of those still in captivity and urged them to remain optimistic prayerful and continue to cooperate with security agencies.
“I am extremely excited both as Borno’s Governor and father of all sons and daughters of the State, and also as a father to daughters. I know the feeling of families of those still under captivity but we have to remain hopeful especially with today’s development”.
Chairman of the Chibok Girls Movement, Mr Yakubu Nkeki, expressed joy over the return of Ruth Apagu.
He said, the people of Chibok appreciate the efforts of security establishments and the concern shown by Governor Zulum on the plight of parents whose daughters are still missing.
Dauda Iliya
