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President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday continued his appeasement efforts of the aggrieved families of students abducted from the Government Science Technical School, Dapchi with a vow to ensure their rescue.
The President who travelled to Damaturu, Yobe State capital assured Nigerians and the international community that the missing 110 apchi girls will be rescued or released.
Buhari based his conviction on recent successes recorded by the administration in rescuing Boko Haram hostages and the backing of the international community.
The President cited the release of more than 100 Chibok girls, University of Maiduguri lecturers, some women police personnel, students and an NYSC member, the President declared: “I have no doubt that the Dapchi girls will be rescued or released and l want to reassure parents, Nigerians and the international community that we will do all that is within our power to make sure that the girls are brought back safely to their families.”
The President Buhari told the gathering that the Federal government is partnering with the international community including Nigeria’s immediate neighbours to ensure the safe return of the girls.
He however warned to punish anyone whose negligence directly or remotely, led to the abduction, in ” accordance with the law”
He also sees his approach to the rescue of those kidnapped as more proactively different from the laxity of the previous administration
‘‘Nigerians will readily recall that prior to our coming in 2015, the situation was chaotic with violent terrorist attacks being the order of the day.
‘‘Terrorists had made life very unbearable for the people in Yobe, Kano, Kaduna, Borno, Niger, and even the FCT, Abuja. Our Mosques and Churches witnessed daily suicide bomb attacks. Parts of Adamawa and Borno States were helplessly ceded to the terrorists.
‘‘But today, we have so far shown clear determination in tackling terrorism which is a worldwide phenomenon. We have not only degraded the power and dominance of the criminal elements, our security forces have patriotically exhibited an uncommon zeal in executing their assignment.
‘‘We explored various strategies including regional and international collaborations to exterminate terror.
He announced that he has ordered a 24-hour brief to him by security agencies on its successes or challenges. adding that ‘‘While expecting the report of the Committee set up to investigate the abduction for implementation, I have asked that appropriate Federal Government authorities be in constant touch with the Yobe State Government and other neighbouring States to ensure a common strategy and line of action.
‘‘We are determined to restore peace to all part of the country – from the West to the East; North to the South. While calling for calm, I implore affected parents and families to restrain from making statements that may jeopardize the success of the rescue mission.
‘‘We are aware of orchestrations by some evil elements to take advantage of the development to score cheap political points. I call on law-abiding citizens to shun activities and statements that may cause a breakdown of law and order.
‘‘The Government, under my watch, will continue to maintain normalcy and ensure that incidents of this nature are stopped. Be assured that measures are being put in place to achieve these objectives,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State commended the President for making Yobe and the Northeast safer and expressed the appreciation of the people of the state for the steps being taken by the Federal government to bring back their girls.
He said the goodwill and support for the President in the state remains unshaken despite the recent incident of abductions.
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
