The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon once again expressed solidarity with Nigerians ahead of the world marking 100 days since the Chibok tragedy hit the country.
Punch refers to the statement released in New York yesterday and sent to the Abuja-based BringBackOurGirls group. In a message to the campaigners Ki-Moon expressed full support for the vigils taking place on Thursday across many countries calling for girls' release.
The group coordinator Oby Ezekwesili read the statement. See the extract below:
"I stand in solidarity with all those taking part in vigils today to demonstrate that the world has not forgotten the girls who were so cruelly abducted from their school 100 days ago in Chibok, Nigeria. I repeat my call for their immediate release and for an end to discrimination, intimidation and violence against girls whose only wish is to gain education. Only by shielding them from harm and enabling them to realise their full potential can we usher in a better future for all."
The solidarity vigils are being held in Africa, Asia, Europe and the US, with people lighting candles to show their concern and support to Nigerians.
On April 14 more than 200 female students were abducted by Boko Haram members from Chibok town, Borno State. The unprecedented mass kidnap raised concerns among people from all over the world, including politicians, celebrities and human rights activists. Despite the global effort to free the girls, they have not reunited with their families yet.
On July 22 President Goodluck Jonathan met with the parents of the abducted girls, so as with some of the escaped students. During the meeting the country leader assured the grieving relatives that the government was doing everything possible to free the children.
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