In April, 2014, 276 girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists from Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno state.

Of the 276 girls, 57 made a daring escape leaving 219 in the clutches of the terrorists – until today when one of the girls, Amina Ali was reportedly found by men of the Civilian Joint Task Force near Sambisa Forest.

While the world celebrated her freedom with different stories of how she was found and rescued, YNaija spoke with one of the foremost conveners of the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) campaign, Aisha Yesufu and she had plenty to say.

Amina was with a child but not pregnant?

According to some of the reports making its round across the world, Amina Ali upon being found by men of the CJTF was reported to have been pregnant with a baby while nursing a 15 months old child.

Aisha Yesufu however said, “We cannot ascertain if truly she is pregnant as at the time she was found but she was with a child.” When asked how old Amina’s baby is, she replied “She has a child that is just about a year old”

Amina was not rescued by the Nigerian Army.

Contrary to the claim of the Nigerian Army that Amina was rescued by troops, Aisha Yesufu vehemently insisted that the former Boko Haram captive was ‘found‘ by Civilian Task Force members.

According to Aisha Yesufu, “Amina’s freedom is not a rescue by the Army. She was found by CJTF when she was wandering after she went to gather firewood near Sambisa Forest.”

The Federal Government must wake up to its responsibilities.

While the world continues to celebrate the freedom of Amina from the terrorists, Aisha Yesufu reminded the government that there are still 218 more girls in captivity- all of whom must be accounted for.

“People are excited about the girl regaining her freedom after so long. It only goes to show that all hope is not lost and we are not mad people for standing this long requesting for the girls to be brought back.

“This also tells us that there are 218 more girls waiting to be brought back home and that is food for thought for the military and Federal Government because they have a responsibility to bring these girls back home”

BBOG is not after validation, they just want the girls back

Reacting to reports from people like the Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose that the story of girls being kidnapped by Boko Haram is false and a mere political move, Aisha Yesufu dismissed the infamous governor declaring that despite the discovery of one of the kidnapped girls, the BBOG is not after validation from anybody.

“We are not after validation by anybody. The fact remains 276 girls were kidnapped, 57 escaped and 2 years later one has also escaped. That means 218 girls are still in captivity.”

The way forward for Amina

Aisha Yesufu explains what next for Amina now that she has regained her freedom.

“She has gone through the verification stage now, the next is the authentication after which she would go through the unification stage into the society.

“What Amina needs now is psychological treatment, love from everyone,” she said.

Furthermore, she reckoned Amina could give useful information to the Army which could be effective in securing the release of the remaining 218 girls.

“She would be debriefed by the army. She has so much information to give.

‘She already revealed that the other kidnapped girls are alive inside Boko Haram’s fortress in Sambisa Forest. The military needs to get as much information as they can from her.”

Going forward, Aisha urged everyone to show love to the newly freed girl stating that it was not a matter of vilifying her and her experiences but extending love to her.

“We will continue to fight her,” she declared finally.