EU celebrates return of 21 Chibok girls, commits more support to Nigeria

The European Union (EU) has expressed joy at the release of 21 abducted girls by insurgent group, Boko Haram. The girls were released after over two years in captivity to the Nigerian government on Thursday.

‘‘Amongst all the troubles in the world today we celebrate. It is time to give these girls hope, life, a future. We wish for the safe return of the girls to their families and their full reintegration into society.

‘‘Yet we cannot forget all the others who remain abducted with their families and those who have suffered from the violence of Boko Haram,’‘ an EU statement read.

21 #Chibok girls released today, good news during #EUgirlsweek. But let's not forget the remaining ones… #BringBackOurGirls

— Neven Mimica (@MimicaEU) October 13, 2016

The EU stressed the need to bring the perpetrators of this terrible act to account. The also congratulated the government of Nigeria, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Switzerland, on the successful negotiations.

1/2 Today we transferred 21 of the #Chibokgirls and handed them to the #Nigeria government authorities, acting as a neutral intermediary.

— ICRC Africa (@ICRC_Africa) October 13, 2016

2/2 We cannot provide any further comment at this stage in the best interest of the girls concerned #Chibokgirls #Nigeria

— ICRC Africa (@ICRC_Africa) October 13, 2016

They reiterated that it was ready to assist the fight against Boko Haram, and in the humanitarian, development and reconstruction efforts. Violence has displaced millions in North Eastern Nigeria and other parts of the Lake Chad region.

Till date, some 197 girls remain in Boko Haram captivity after they were abducted from a boarding school in the town of Chibok. One girl had a baby believed to be about 20 months old.

The government also dispelled information that they had swapped four Boko Haram commanders for the girls. The Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) activists have been celebrating the latest release of the girls.

The EU provides humanitarian assistance to this vulnerable group, especially children, in the form of child protection, nutrition, psychosocial support, support to unaccompanied children and re-unification.

The statement was by High Representative/Vice- President Federica Mogherini, Commissioner for International Cooperation & Development Neven Mimica and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid & Crisis Management Christos Stylianides.