UK Government calls for release of schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram group

The Government of United Kingdom has called for the release of all abducted by the Boko Haram insurgent.

The UK made the call in a  joint statement issued by its Minister for Africa Tobias Ellwood and his International Development counterpart James Wharton on the third anniversary of the abduction of the Chibok school girls in Borno State.

The ministers reiterate support for Nigeria in its fight against terrorism as well as addressing humanitarian crisis in the north-east.

The statement said,  “Our thoughts are with the Chibok girls who remain missing, their families and all those abducted by Boko Haram.

“We are working side by side with Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram and call for the release of all those who have been taken.

“During our visits to Nigeria last year, we heard how people’s lives have been devastated by Boko Haram.

“We are committed to supporting Nigeria in the fight against these barbaric terrorists. More than 22,500 Nigeria military personnel have received UK training, with a significant number deployed on counter insurgency operations in north-east Nigeria.

“Lasting stability and security requires all parties to work together to address the long-term causes of the conflict, and the empowerment of women and girls must be at the heart of this process.

“The UK was one of the first to respond to the humanitarian crisis in north-east Nigeria, and continues to reach millions of people who have been forced from their homes with lifesaving support to improve education, nutrition and basic health services to stop people dying from starvation and hunger. 

“We will not be deterred from supporting Nigeria to tackle violent extremism and build peace for the people of north-east Nigeria.”