By John Ikani
Ruth Pogu, one of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted seven years ago at a Government Secondary School in Chibok, has been received by Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulu.
A statement issued by spokesman of the Governor, Isa Gusau revealed that the Governor received Ruth at the Government House, in the presence of overwhelmed parents who reunited with her.
Ruth, alongside someone she was married to during her captivity, surrendered themselves to the Nigerian military on July 28, 2021, at a location in Bama.
Under Zulum’s supervision, security and government officials kept the development secret and used the last 10 days to contact her parents and the association of parents of the missing schoolgirls in order to ascertain her identity.
The statement quoted Governor Zulum as saying the reunion gives hope to the parents, other family members and Borno State that others still in captivity, will be safely found and returned in good health.
According to the statement, the state government will undertake a rehabilitation and reintegration programme that will focus on her health, psychosocial wellbeing and her chosen path to a productive future.
The Governor commiserated with families of those still in captivity and urged them to remain optimistic, prayerful and continue to cooperate with security agencies.
“I am extremely excited both as Borno’s Governor and father of all sons and daughters of the state, and also as a father to daughters. I know the feeling of families of those still under captivity but wr have to remain hopeful especially with today’s development” The Governor stated.
Chairman of the Chibok Girls Movement, Mr Yakubu Nkeki, expressed joy over the return of Ruth.
He said, the people of Chibok appreciated the efforts of security establishments and the concern shown by Governor Zulum on the plight of parents whose daughters are still missing.
