by Azeez Adeniyi

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Jummai AlHassan has said some of the 21 Chibok girls earlier released by Boko Haram had bullet or blast fragments in their bodies.

The minister was quoted as saying this during an interview with CNN when the news agency visited the hostel where the 21 girls, who were rescued in October last year, live.

The report read in part, “But behind their smiles and brightly coloured clothes lurk memories of their dark past. One of them was absent to remove shrapnel still embedded in her body, Alhassan said.

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“CNN was told that some of them had shrapnel wounds from their time with Boko Haram and some still have shrapnel in their bodies that need to be removed. But no further details were given about how many of them are being treated for this.”

“Three of the rescued girls told CNN that they were happy with their living conditions.”

Rebecca Mallum, one of the girls said they take part in structured programme, including games and recreation.

She said, “I really enjoy tailoring and catering. I want to be a doctor in the future because I want to help people.”

Another girl, Helen Musa, said she began her day with a prayer along with others. After breakfast, she says she cleans her room, goes to class and plays handball during her downtime.

She said, “I want to be a doctor. I want to help so many people who are not feeling fine. I like Biology, Chemistry.”

The minister said there were also remedial classes to help them catch up on the years of education they missed.