Chibok Girls, Fully Recovered, to Return Home Soon

More than 100 school girls who were kidnapped by insurgents from Chibok, Borno State in 2014 will soon return to normal life after being released and receiving psychological care and medical treatment. This was disclosed by the Federal Government on August 18. About 270 girls were originally abducted three years ago but 82 were released […]

More than 100 school girls who were kidnapped by insurgents from Chibok, Borno State in 2014 will soon return to normal life after being released and receiving psychological care and medical treatment. This was disclosed by the Federal Government on August 18. About 270 girls were originally abducted three years ago but 82 were released in May this year following negotiations in addition to the 24 who were released or found last year. The girls have been receiving psychological and medical care in Abuja, as part of a government rehabilitation program.
According to the Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Jummai Alhassan, “All the 106 girls are now fully recovered, ready for reintegration with their families and the larger society, and to go back to school." She confirmed that the girls “are now stabilized and most of their Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms have been overcome and previously frequent incidents of flashbacks, insomnia and nightmares have now been successfully brought under control.” Some of the girls underwent surgery, and a prosthetic limb was provided for a girl who lost a leg while in captivity.
Four babies were also said to be in good health. Of the 270 girls that were initially kidnapped, about 60 escaped soon afterwards but around 100 are still believed to be in captivity. Mrs. Alhassan said negotiations to secure their release are ongoing.