When 21 Chibok girls gained freedom from the dreaded Boko Haram sect, yesterday, October 13, Nigerians went agog, with joy, doubts, disbelief and a million questions.
One thing we can be sure of however, is that those young women will be relieved to be home.
The story of the Chibok girls began way back in 2014, since then, the road home for these girls has been filled with suspense, pain, tears and an unrelenting fight not to lose hope since that fateful night on April 14, 2014.
The Kidnap
Chibok mothers cry out to the government
On April 14, 2014, 276 girls were kidnapped by the Boko Haram sect from the government secondary school in the town of Chibok in Borno state.
First escape
Escaped Chibok girls
The first escape happened that very night. As the truck full of frightened schoolgirls sped deeper into Boko Haram territory, two sisters whose names have not being released, clasped hands and jumped off together.
Subsequent escapes
Some escaped Chibok girls meet with former President Jonathan
Other girls followed suit on that night as one of the trucks conveying them broke down. Between April 14 and April 15, 2014, other girls escaped their captors.
In total, it is accepted generally that 57 girls escaped over those first few months after the kidnap.
READ ALSO: 104 Chibok girls ready to return;Read what other girls plan to do
Amina Ali
Amina Ali Nkeki was one of the most popular escapees
On May 17, 2016, Amina Ali Darsha Nkeki was found by members of a vigilante group at the edge of a Boko Haram stronghold after fleeing during an attack on the militants’ camp. She had a four-month-old girl with her, and a man she said was her husband.
218 remain in captivity
Boko Haram released videos showing the abducted girls still in custody
After Amina Ali's freedom, the Boko Haram sect released videos twice to taunt the Nigerian government and to show that they still had the girls in their custody. Although it was claimed that some of the girls had been inadvertently killed by airstrikes from the Nigerian army.
21 Chibok girls released
Released Chibok girls met with Vice President Osinbajo
Yesterday, October 13, 2016, 21 of the Chibok girls were released. There are a lot questions as to what the conditions of their release were.
Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, after meeting with the girls spoke on their condition and the next steps to be taken. 197 girls remain in captivity on paper, however if the claims of deaths by airstrikes are true, then the numbers will be greatly reduced.
Aftermath
Trauma is one problem the girls will face
There are unconfirmed reports, there are hints that many of the girls, about 18 of them returned with pregnancies. Apart from the rape, the trauma of being away from home for so long will be difficult for the girls to get over.
Also, a source has revealed that the story is far from over. As negotiations for the remaining girls will continue on Monday, October 17.
The source also revealed something interesting: “The 21 that returned were among the 104. The rest said they have ‘accepted Islam’ and have already gotten married to some Boko Haram commanders and leaders.
“And during the negotiation, Shekau said he will not compel any of the girls to renounce their new found religion and love.”
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