Chibok Parents Demand Global Action 12 Years After Abduction, 87 Girls Still Missing
Twelve years after the horrific abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok in Borno State, parents of the victims have issued a renewed and urgent call for international intervention to secure the return of the 87 girls who remain missing. In a poignant open letter dated April 13, 2026, the parents, represented by Yana Galang and Zanna Lawan, described the continued captivity as a painful reminder of unfulfilled commitments by both national and global stakeholders.
A Persistent Tragedy and Unfulfilled Promises
The April 14, 2014, abduction, which drew widespread global condemnation and ignited advocacy for girls' education, is far from resolved. While the majority of the girls have been rescued or escaped, the parents emphasized that "for the families, this is not a past tragedy but an ongoing reality." They stated that the passage of time has not lessened the uncertainty faced by those still waiting for answers, urging the Federal Government to intensify rescue efforts and ensure accountability.
In their letter, the parents passionately appealed to the United Nations and other international partners to maintain attention on the case, warning against waning global interest. "This is not only a national issue but a test of global resolve. The responsibility to act does not diminish with time," they asserted. They called for coordinated and transparent actions, including sustained search operations and broader strategies to safeguard education access, particularly for girls in vulnerable communities.
MMF Warns Chibok Has Become a Metaphor for Neglect
In a related development, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) released a statement alongside its latest report, highlighting that 89 of the girls remain unaccounted for, underscoring the unresolved crisis more than a decade later. According to the foundation, 187 girls have either escaped, been released, or been rescued since the abduction. Additionally, over 40 children have been born in captivity and returned with their mothers, reflecting the long-term human consequences.
Despite these developments, MMF noted that progress has slowed significantly, with no confirmed recovery of a Chibok girl in the past year. Dr. Aisha Muhammed Oyebode, Chief Executive Officer of MMF, stated, "Chibok has become more than a place or a moment in time. It is now a metaphor for neglect—of responsibility, of accountability, and of our collective empathy for those who continue to live with the consequences of this tragedy."
Broader Implications and Calls for Justice
The foundation warned that the Chibok abduction, once a defining moment of global outrage, now reflects a broader failure to sustain attention and follow through on commitments. It further noted that subsequent abductions of schoolchildren across Nigeria have reinforced fears among families and undermined confidence in the safety of education, especially for girls.
The parents cautioned against reducing the Chibok abduction to mere symbolism, insisting that justice and closure remain outstanding until every missing girl is accounted for. They urged all stakeholders to demonstrate sustained commitment until the last of the girls is found, emphasizing that the case remains unresolved and demands unwavering global action.
