IGBOZURUOKE FORUM

Amnesty International, an international non-governmental organization focused on human rights, has called for an investigation into allegations of forced marriage between 20 Chibok women rescued in the last two years and former Boko Haram terrorists, their abductors.

Today marks 10 years since 276 girls were abducted from Chibok secondary school in Borno State on April 14, 2014.

There have been allegations that many of the kidnap victims were forced to marry their abductors.

Regarding this, Amnesty International called on the “Nigerian authorities to promptly, thoroughly, impartially, independently, transparently and effectively investigate allegations of forced marriage between 20 Chibok women rescued in the last two years and former Boko Haram fighters in a centre provided by Borno state government in Maiduguri”.

It says, “The father of one of the women confirmed to Amnesty International that the forced marriages had taken place.”

A parent of one of the girls forced into marriage with former Boko Haram fighters told Amnesty International: “I do not want a situation whereby if I speak; the government or Boko Haram will say we are conniving with others to expose issues to the public. I can speak on anonymity but will not still share everything.”

Borno state government claims the Boko Haram fighters have undergone rehabilitation and been reintegrated into society under the government’s conflict recovery programme for repentant Boko Haram fighters.

“It is appalling that these freed Chibok girls were forced to marry and live with their abductors. Organized by the Borno state government, these forced marriages are apparently an attempt to appease Boko Haram fighters with complete disregard for the rights and mental well-being of the girls involved,” says Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

The parents and relatives of the girls who remain in captivity said they have been abandoned by the government, citing the lack of information about attempts to ensure the safe release of their children from Boko Haram.

The organisation says, “The Nigerian authorities must deliver on its national and international human rights obligations by immediately redoubling efforts to ensure the safe release and return of not only the 82 Chibok girls abducted 10 years ago, but also all people held captive by gunmen across Nigeria.

“As we mark the anniversary of these abductions, the Nigerian government must put in place a comprehensive and effective plan to protect schools and children.”

“Authorities must also prioritize helping girls who escaped or were rescued from Boko Haram, to rebuild their lives. They must not ignore the ongoing anguish of the parents whose daughters remain in captivity and ensure they are regularly briefed on efforts to ensure the safe release and return of their children,” says Isa Sanusi.

In a report to be published next month, Amnesty International will document crimes and violations committed by Boko Haram and the Nigerian military against girls associated with, or perceived to be associated with Boko Haram since the start of the conflict in north-east Nigeria in 2013.

The report will also detail their unique reintegration needs and their aspirations to rebuild their lives.

In April 2014, 276 schoolgirls were abducted from a government secondary school in Chibok, a town in Borno State.

Some of the girls escaped captivity on their own, while others were later released following intense campaigning efforts by civil society organizations and negotiations by the government. However, 82 girls remain in captivity, while several children have been abducted in subsequent attacks.

Amnesty International says it has been documenting Boko Haram’s atrocities and targeting of schools since 2012. In May 2020, Amnesty International also published a report on the dire impact of the conflict in Northeast Nigeria on children.

Sahara Reporters