The NUM National Women Structure (NUM-WS) commend the progress made by the Nigerian government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, regarding the release of 82 school girls who were abducted by the infamous and sexually immoral Nigerian Group called “Boko Haram“.

As NUM-WS, we welcome the commitment of the President to support the girls in the form of providing health care, education, security and their general wellbeing, including their rehabilitation and counselling

The world was outraged by this terrorist act and supported #BringBackOurGirls campaign, initiated by the Nigerian women and supported by the former USA First Lady Michel Obama. The campaign was embraced by the United Nations, the global media and the civil society at larger.

The NUM-WS under the leadership of COSATU and other stakeholders joined hands by embarking on a peaceful march on 07 June 2014 to the Nigerian High Commission to demand and put pressure on the Nigerian government to secure the safe release and return of the girls, before any harm come their way.

The so-called “Boko Haram“ is a brutal group claiming to be fighting corruption and inequality, whilst conflicting the worse form of violation to young innocent girls.

We, therefore, make this statement in commending the Nigerian government, in particular President Muhammadu Buhari and all those who are involved in this breakthrough. We were almost dismayed by the indecision and slow pace of progress in this regard.
We urge Boko Haram to release the remaining girls unconditionally and to refrain from using innocent civilians as military and war shields, even as bargaining tools.

Issued by NUM National Women Structure