Chief Edwin Clark, an esteemed elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has made a poignant appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging the formation of a specialized task force dedicated to rescuing the remaining Chibok girls still in captivity. During a press conference in Abuja, Clark emphasized the need for a prompt and dedicated response, criticizing previous administrations for their lack of focus on this critical issue.
Clark highlighted that since their abduction by Boko Haram insurgents on April 14, 2014, significant efforts to secure the release of all 276 girls from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, have waned after initial actions taken during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. As it stands, 89 of these girls remain captive, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and its impact on innocent lives.
The elder statesman proposed that the task force should consist of competent and impartial military personnel and be given a clear mandate with a specific timeframe to accomplish the mission of rescuing the girls. “Mr. President should appoint a special taskforce as a matter of urgency to rescue those girls. There are committed soldiers, there are some who are not committed. Where are we going? We want a united Nigeria,” Clark stated.
Clark also expressed his concerns about the involvement of local politics in the Northeast, which he believes has previously hindered rescue efforts. He insists that the new task force should operate without the influence of nepotism and political bias, focusing solely on the safe return of the girls.
This call to action resonates with the national and international outcry for the rescue and safe return of the Chibok girls, which has symbolized the broader struggle against extremism in Nigeria. The Borno State government’s recent disclosure that 89 girls are still missing has reignited public and political interest in addressing this prolonged humanitarian issue.
As the Tinubu administration takes the reins of leadership, the global community watches closely, hopeful that this renewed effort will bring closure to the families and the nation. Chief Clark’s plea underscores a deep-seated desire for a resolution that not only secures the girls’ freedom but also reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to combating insurgency and safeguarding its citizens.
