On the 11th anniversary of the abduction of the Chibok girls, global leaders and advocates are coming together in London to reflect on the enduring tragedy and its impact on education, gender, and conflict recovery. The event, which will take place today at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London, is themed “A Decade On: Chibok Photo Exhibition and Commemoration.”
Among the prominent figures expected to attend the event are the United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, the Chief Operating Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF). Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode, an ardent advocate for the Chibok girls, will lead a panel discussion titled “The Stolen Daughters of Chibok: Resilience, Justice and Global Lessons,” which will be a key part of the programme.
The Chibok girls’ abduction, which occurred in April 2014, saw the kidnapping of 276 female students from a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State, by Boko Haram militants. While many of the girls have since been released or escaped, 112 are still missing, and their abduction remains one of the most horrific and widely condemned acts of terrorism in Nigeria’s history.
Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode’s statement ahead of the event underscores the importance of remembering the girls not as victims of a past tragedy, but as part of an ongoing crisis. She emphasized, “This isn’t just history – this is a continuing horror. We gather not only to honour the stolen daughters of Chibok, but also to hold the world accountable for allowing impunity to thrive, while generations of girls are silenced by violence.”
The event aims to shine a spotlight on the broader issues of abductions, violence, and the effects of insurgency on education and gender equality. It will also serve as a platform for global leaders, scholars, and advocates to reflect on the lessons learned from the Chibok tragedy and to demand further action in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria and other conflict-affected countries.
The photo exhibition, an integral part of the event, will feature powerful images that document the lives of the Chibok girls and their families over the past decade. It is hoped that the exhibition will not only commemorate their lives but also ignite a global conversation about the importance of education, gender equality, and the protection of children in conflict zones.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, who will also contribute to the programme, has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and the protection of children in conflict situations. Her participation highlights the international community’s ongoing commitment to addressing the issue of abductions and violence against girls, particularly in areas affected by militant groups like Boko Haram.
Another key contributor to the event is Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who has long championed the rights of women and girls in Nigeria. As the honorary patron of the photo exhibition, Emir Sanusi’s involvement in the event underscores his personal dedication to ensuring that the Chibok girls are not forgotten and that the fight for justice continues.
The programme will also include contributions from Bulama Bukarti, Osai Ojigho, and Dr. Elizabeth Pearson. Bukarti, a human rights advocate with deep knowledge of the Boko Haram insurgency, will provide critical insights into the ongoing challenges of insurgency and the impact on local communities. Ojigho, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, will address the role of international human rights organizations in advocating for justice and the protection of vulnerable populations. Dr. Elizabeth Pearson, a leading academic expert on the intersections of conflict, education, and gender, will share her research on the long-term consequences of violence on young girls and their communities.
Throughout the event, speakers will call on the global community to take more decisive action in securing the release of the remaining Chibok girls and to ensure that girls around the world can access education without fear of violence or abduction. The programme will also address the challenges of post-conflict recovery and the critical role that education plays in rebuilding communities affected by terrorism and insurgency.
The commemoration of the Chibok girls’ abduction comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with continued security challenges, including the activities of Boko Haram and other militant groups. Despite the release of many of the kidnapped girls in recent years, the ongoing threat of violence and abductions remains a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children, especially girls, in conflict zones.
For many, the Chibok girls symbolize the broader struggle for the protection of children in conflict areas and the fight for gender equality and education. The global outcry over their abduction sparked international solidarity and mobilized support for efforts to combat violence against girls, yet much work remains to be done to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.
As part of the commemoration, Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode and other global speakers will lead discussions about the lessons learned from the Chibok tragedy, and the need for sustained action to ensure that the world does not forget the ongoing plight of the girls and their families. They will also emphasize the importance of holding governments and militant groups accountable for the violence they inflict on innocent civilians, especially children.
In closing, Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode reiterated the importance of remembering the Chibok girls and ensuring that their story continues to inspire action. “We cannot afford to let this tragedy fade from memory. The fight for the Chibok girls is not just a fight for justice for them, but for all girls who continue to suffer in silence under the shadow of violence and insecurity.”
As the event kicks off today in London, the global community will once again come together to honour the stolen daughters of Chibok, reflect on the lessons of the past decade, and recommit to ensuring a brighter, safer future for girls everywhere.
