President says he won't rest until Chibok, Dapchi girls are free

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that his administration will not rest until all the schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram terrorists in Chibok, Borno and Dapchi, Yobe are free from their captives.

The president made this promise while meeting with stakeholders in Yobe State on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, to discuss the recent abduction of 110 schoolgirls in the state.

The president was received in Damaturu by state governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, before the town hall meeting with government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders.

The president said, "There will be no rest till the last girl, whether from Chibok and Dapchi, is released. The girls, like all our citizens, must enjoy unhindered freedom and pursue their legitimate aspirations.

"The Dapchi and Chibok students are our girls and must enjoy our protection. They must live to achieve their individual ambitions, to be great women of tomorrow. It is our duty to protect them.

"We are determined to restore peace to all part of the country - from the West to the East; North to the South."

While meeting then-United States Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, on Monday, March 12, the president said he is going to negotiate with the terrorist group for the release of the girls instead of pursuing military action.

He reiterated this point during his address, saying, "Just recently, I reiterated our resolve to negotiate for the unconditional release of the girls. This is borne out of this administration's conviction that, doing so is safer devoid of risks and will not endanger the lives of our young girls who are in harm's way."

The president is scheduled to meet with the parents of the Dapchi schoolgirls during his visit.

Dapchi abduction

Boko Haram militants invaded Government Girls Science and Technical Secondary School in Dapchi, Bursari local government area of Yobe on Monday, February 19, 2018, and abducted 110 schoolgirls.

According to accounts by residents, the terrorists invaded the town around 7 pm in over 18 gun trucks mounted with high caliber weapons.

The abduction was a repeat of another Boko Haram attack that happened when militants invaded Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok and kidnapped 276 female students in April 2014.

After several escapes and releases, 112 of the Chibok girls remain in captivity of the deadly terrorist group.