PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has warned that security agencies will deal severely with elements who make political capital out of school girls abductions in the country.
Receiving newly freed 105 school girls and two primary school pupils from Dapchi, Yobe State, at the presidential villa, Abuja on Friday, he similarly threatened that any security chief that allows lapses in his job would be dealt with.
“May l also warn against those elements who have chosen to make a political fortune of citizens’ misfortune. The government would not tolerate any attempt by any person or group to trivialise or politicise security issues for politically motivated ends.
“Accordingly, security agencies would not hesitate to decisively deal with such unscrupulous characters,” Buhari warned.
He said while the security agencies have since been directed to put measures in place to protect the vulnerable place, they must not be found wanting as failure would be viewed seriously.
Buhari added: “Let me reemphasise our administration’s commitment to the fight against terrorism and insurgency and also call on all Nigerians to join in this task.
“The security services have since been directed to put in place further measures around all schools vulnerable to attacks to ensure the safety of our pupils/students and teachers and school workers.
“I have tasked all the security agencies to work to ensure that we do not witness any reoccurrence of these incidents.
“Security chiefs have been warned in clear terms that any lapse on their parts will be viewed seriously.”
The president affirmed that Boko Haram insurgents released the Dapchi school girls last a Wednesday unconditionally after painstaking back-channel negotiations.
He said government opted for negotiations because it did not want any of the captives to be hurt.
The president said: “I further tasked all appropriate security agencies to safely bring back the girls. We also reached out to our contacts at home and abroad.
“We embarked on back channel shuttles with a clear view to bringing to an end the tragedy. We entered into negotiations solely to make sure that no single girl was hurt. This strategy paid off as the girls have been released without any incidents.”
The president assured that efforts would be intensified to secure the release of all Chibok school girls still in Boko Haram captivity as he appealed to their parents not to lose hope, saying: “While parents of the Dapchi girls rejoice because of the reunion with their children, I want to appeal to the Chibok community never to lose hope or despair.
“We are determined as never before to bring back our remaining Chibok daughters. And this, we must accomplish. And that will be soon by God’s grace.”
The president assured the rescued students that they will live freely and pursue their dreams in Nigeria in peace and order without fear of violence or molestation.
While expressing delight at the release of the Dapchi former hostages, the president affirmed his administration’s commitment to the security and well being of Nigerians.
“We are never in doubt about our focus and direction since the assumption of the administration. Security, anti-corruption and revamping of our economy are the main focus of our government,” he stated.
He added that “government is ever ready to accept the unconditional laying down of arms by any member of the Boko Haram group who shows strong commitment in that regard.
“We are ready to rehabilitate and integrate such repentant members into the larger society. This country has suffered enough of hostility. Government is, therefore, appealing to all to embrace peace for the overall development of our people and the country.”
He thanked all Nigerians “who in spite of political differences, prayed and showed solidarity with families of the abducted students, during the period of the abduction,” adding: “This undoubtedly is the Nigerian spirit. We can and should sustain it beyond moments of sorrow.”
He similarly thanked the international community and “our friends who offered varying degrees of assistance during the back channel communications” while appreciating the security agencies for the loyal and tireless efforts in making the day a reality.”
Fatima Bashir 14, a JS3 student, who spoke on behalf of the girls, thanked President Buhari for facilitating their release and bringing them home alive.
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