Dapchi Girls: Unlike Insensitivity Of Jonathan’s Govt, We Responded Accordingly – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has again taken a jibe at the immediate past administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying his response to the abducted school girls in Yobe was much better than that of his predecessor in the Chibok girls abduction.

The President said this on Wednesday, during a meeting with Ibrahim Gaidam, governor of Yobe state and parents of the missing students of Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi.

Mr Buhari was on a one-day working visit to the North-east state, as part of his tour of states affected by Boko Haram attacks and herdsmen-farmers crisis.

On February 19, 2018, Boko Haram insurgents abducted no fewer than 110 schoolgirls of the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, after invading the school premises.

Speaking today, the President said while the Federal Government under his watch swung into action immediately after the abduction, the last administration “looked the other way” when the about 276 girls were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School, Chibok, by Boko Haram in 2014.

He said that due to the commitment of his administration, over 100 of the abducted Chibok girls have been rescued and reunited with their families.

“The Federal Government’s response to the unfortunate abduction of the school girls is a clear departure from the insensitivity of the past administration which looked the other way while the Chibok girls were taken away in 2014 and held in captivity for over 3 years,” Buhari said.

“Due to our commitment, over 100 Chibok girls have been rescued and reunited with their families, sent back to school and empowered with requisite skills.

“You may recall that recently, our negotiation efforts led to the release of abducted University of Maiduguri lecturers, some women Police personnel, students and even an NYSC member.

“We, therefore, have no doubt that the Dapchi girls will be rescued or released. I can reassure parents, Nigerians and the International Community that we will do all that is within our power to make sure that the girls are brought back safely to their families.

“There will be no rest till the last girl, whether from Chibok and Dapchi, is released. The girls, like all our citizens, must enjoy unhindered freedom and pursue their legitimate aspirations.

“Furthermore, the government is partnering with the International Community and organizations including our neighbours to ensure that these girls are safely returned. Just recently, I reiterated our resolve to negotiate for the unconditional release of the girls. This is borne out of this administration’s conviction that, doing so is safer devoid of risks and will not endanger the lives of our young girls who are in harm’s way.

“Since the inception of this administration, we have remained resolute in our fight against Terrorism and Boko Haram insurgents. Nigerians will readily recall that prior to our coming in 2015, the situation was chaotic with violent terrorist attacks being the order of the day.”