Opinion
Chibok Girls: Six Years After
Who would have believed that six years after the kidnapping of 276 girls from their school, Government Girls’ Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, by Boko Haram terrorist group, they would not all be released and reunited with their families? Who would have thought that 2190 days down the road, 112 of these school girls would still be in captivity and their families in perpetual pain and agony?
In fact, the whole act was unimaginable and unheard of which explained why many doubted that it actually happened. Many labeled it a political gimmick. And with the great attention it generated both within and outside the country, considering the caliber of personalities involved in calling for the release of the girls, including the then First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama, who joined the “Bring Back Our Girls” movement, many said it was just a matter of days or months before Nigerian government pulled all strings necessary to ensure their release.
Painfully, that government’s might is yet to be seen or rather has not yielded the expected result as only 107 out of the over 276 girls have been found or released through negotiations since the incident took place on April 14, 2014, in addition to 57 of them that managed to escape from the truck in which they were transported soon after the abduction. Though government has continued to claim that efforts are being made to see to the release of the 112 girls, there is little or nothing to show for it. The families of the abducted girls are losing faith in government and only holding on to hope. Many of the parents are said to have died of heart attack and grief-related ailments.
During a special prayer and thanksgiving service held in Chibok last weekend to mark the sixth anniversary of the heart-breaking incident, some parents accused government of not doing enough. One of them, Madam Rebecca, said “I have been weeping every day. Even now the tears have stopped coming out. Today, it seems the government has forgotten about our plight, they are not doing anything about it. Last time, we heard they were willing to release some of our daughters but nothing was done about it”. Continuing, she said, “All our eyes are fixed unto God. That is why we have gathered to offer prayers so that God will touch all the parties involved so that our daughters will come back home”.
In the same vein, the spokesperson for the Kibaku Area Development Association (Chibok), Dr Allen Manasseh, said government’s effort towards the release of the remaining school girls has not been satisfactory. In his words “it’s even better to be told that your daughter has been killed. That will make you cry and forget and you won’t be thinking again. But in this case, no one is telling us anything… All the promises the government made to release the girls have not been fulfilled. This creates a lot of worries to the parents”.
Rebecca, Manasseh and many other peoples’ plea is that both the federal and state governments should concretise their words by doing the needful to see to the release of not only the Chibok girls but also Leah Sharibu, the remaining kidnapped Dapchi school girl abducted in 2018 and, indeed, all women and men in captivity. The necessary political will needed to set these citizens free and deal with Boko Haram insurgents should not be held back any longer. President Muhammadu Buhari needs not be reminded of his 2015 campaign promise of crushing Boko Haram once he got into Aso Rock.
Or course, the present administration must be commended for the effort made so far in checking the activities of the Islamist terrorist organization. If I may borrow the words of the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Femi Adesina, “it is not as bad as it used to be. There was a time that there were about five/six bombings in a day in this country… Presently we can stay up to three months without a cracker going off”. But the truth is that the battle is far from being over. Not with the increasing attacks on military bases and some communities.
Terrorists, who some people believe, have metamorphosed into gunmen, bandits, armed herdsmen and other forms of criminals have continued to spill innocent blood and make life nightmarish for Nigerians. Even in the ongoing lockdown in many parts of the country due to COVID-19 pandemic, gunmen and herdsmen are still unleashing mayhem on many communities.
The core mandate of every government is to protect lives and properties. Therefore, our government, both state and federal should match words with action and secure all Nigerians wherever they may be. Seeing various state governors and the federal government take commendable actions towards the containment of the novel Coronavirus in the states and country at large, one cannot help but imagine how safe the nation will be should these our leaders use the same vigor in fighting crime in our society; sincerely using all the money budgeted for security, including their security votes for the intended purpose.
Analysts have warned of post COVID-19 hunger, loss of jobs, and general hardship. This invariably will result in a rise in the crime rate. What plans are our leaders making to check it? Are they ready to provide security agencies with modern equipment, resources and all they need to combat crime? Will they be ready to do away with greed, selfishness, corruption and use the citizens’ money in their custody in developing agriculture, manufacturing, education, health and other sectors that will help in growing the economy and creating jobs for the people? Are our lawmakers and other political office holders ready to cut down their humongous salaries and allowances so that the money could be deployed into productive ventures?
So, as we join the Chibok community in appealing that government expedites action towards the release of their children, in whatever form they are, we should be ready and willing as government, individuals and groups to make the necessary lifestyle adjustments and sacrifices that will guarantee a better society where crime will no longer be considered a life-sustaining option.
Calista Ezeaku
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.