UNICEF has commended the federal government for the release of 82 Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday met with the 82 Chibok girls before his departure to London for another medical checkup.
UNICEF’s Nigeria Acting Representative, Pernille Ironside in a statement said the girls’ release was “heartening,” while also calling on Boko Haram to put an end to crime against children.
Ironside stated that UNICEF will support the Nigerian government in ensuring that the girls are offered best psychological and specialized services.
The statement reads: “it is heartening to know that the girls will be returning to their families who have been waiting for this day.
“They will face a long and difficult process to rebuild their lives after the indescribable horror and trauma they have suffered at the hands of Boko Haram.
“UNICEF is on standby to support the Nigerian authorities to provide the comprehensive psychosocial support and other specialized services needed.
“We will help reunite the girls with their families and make sure they can continue their education in a safe environment.
“Already staff at a UNICEF supported health clinic have been supporting immediate efforts to identify the girls and conduct medical check-ups before their onward transport.
“UNICEF calls on Boko Haram to end all grave violations against children, especially the abduction of children and the sexual abuse and forced marriage of girls.”
UNICEF further said that greater efforts must be channeled towards bringing those still captive back EDto their families.
“UNICEF has a comprehensive plan to help children who have been affected by the conflict in the Lake Chad Basin and works with national authorities to support hundreds of children and women who have escaped or been released by Boko Haram.
“Every child is unique and requires different levels of support, so there is no standard formula or defined timeframe for these children to recover.
“UNICEF is committed to doing whatever it takes, as long as it takes, to help these children recover a sense of normalcy with our available resources,” Ironside added.
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