by Ranti Joseph

The Nigerian government on Thursday in Maiduguri met with parents of the schoolgirls abducted from Chibok by Boko Haram, promising to rehabilitate the communities destroyed by the group.

Representing Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Power, state, Mohammed Wakil, praised the families of the abducted girls for refusing to politicise the girls’ abduction.

Wakil said the presence of the parents at the meeting is a show that they believe in the on-going counter operation by the security forces against the terrorists.

“I assure you that not only will rescue operations be successful, the other three goals of reclaiming occupied territories, resettlement of IDPS and rebuilding of communities, will be pursued to a logical conclusion. This is a personal pledge of Mr. President which the entire administration is committed to,” Wakil said.

He also said Jonathan is pursuing multi-faceted strategies to address the pains of the families who have one member or more abducted stating that the president is doing everything possible to ensure that the girls are rescued.

“I am here to convey the sympathy of Mr. President and the entire federal cabinet to you the parents and families as well as all other victims. As you are all aware, our military is having the upper hand in this sacred war. We believe by the grace of God that your children will return safely,” he said.

In his response, Pindar Dauda, speaking for the parents, thanked Jonathan for his concern and sympathy, and prayed for the success of the military operations against the terrorists in the area. “I appeal to President Jonathan not to relent. He should continue with the war on Boko Haram. He should get our children back for us safely. We are praying for him and the military,” Dauda said.

Janeth J