THE release of 82 of the Chibok schoolgirls by their Boko Haram captors, after three years, is heart-warming, the United States (US) government said on Wednesday.
Also, the government of Spain, in a statement issued in Abuja, on Wednesday, expressed joy and satisfaction at the release of the abducted girls by the terrorist group, adding that they would be reunited with their families.
Mr Nathan Holt, the Deputy Director, Office of West African Affairs, Bureau of African Affairs at the US Department of State, made the remarks in Washington, DC. Via teleconference on: “Nigeria, a critical US partner.”
He said the release of the girls from captivity was also a positive development for them and their families.
The US envoy explained that his country was carrying out a lot of bilateral activities with Nigeria and multilateral cooperation, involving the United Nations.
He noted that Nigeria had an influential voice on the African continent.
Holt regretted that Boko Haram terrorists had brought untold consequences on the country and its neighbours.
According to him, however, it is heart-warming that civilians, who have been displaced, are gradually gaining access to some of the recovered territories by military operations.
But, he said the military operations alone could not solve the problem in North-East of Nigeria.
Spain also expressed the hope that the rest of the women and girls abducted by Boko Haram would be released soon after their lengthy stay in captivity.
It called on the Federal Government to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
“The government of Spain reiterates its solidarity with the people and government of Nigeria over the inhumane suffering that Boko Haram has caused in recent years.
“Spain supports the efforts of the Government of Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram terrorism, which has led to so much instability in the region,” it said.
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