Members of the Chibok Parents Association have intensified their call for the Nigerian government to expedite efforts in rescuing the remaining 108 Chibok girls who are still held captive by the Boko Haram insurgents.
At a recent event organized by the SAB Art Foundation and the Chibok Parents Association in Lagos, titled ‘Statues Also Breathe,’ featured a film screening showcasing the collaborative process of sculpting and remembrance of the abducted girls by some of the rescued ones.
Among the attendees were representatives from the Chibok Parents Association, journalists, artists, and two of the previously rescued girls, Amina Ali and Jummai Mutah.
During the event, Yahi Bwata, a parent of one of the abducted girls, recounted the harrowing experience of the initial abduction in 2014 when 57 girls managed to escape from their captors. Despite intervention efforts at the time, including from then-President Goodluck Jonathan, the impact fell short of bringing back all the girls.
Journalist Kadaria Ahmad translated the message of Saratu Samuel, a grieving mother, who shared the devastating toll the abduction took on families. Ahmad revealed that 48 parents of the Chibok girls had passed away due to the trauma of losing their daughters.
Visual artist and Associate Professor at Obafemi Awolowo University, Dr. Olusegun Fajuyigbe, also stated the need to keep the plight of the remaining abducted girls in public consciousness. Fajuyigbe collaborated with French artist Prune Nourry and Nigerian musician Ade Bantu to create the film as a means of social awareness and advocacy.
