The Minister of Lands and Housing, Akon Eyakenyi, on Tuesday promised the #BringBackOurGirls group that the Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, would do something to rescue the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

Ms. Eyakenyi said the delegates will deliver the group’s message to the president.

“We will carry the message to him and he’ll do something,” Ms. Eyakenyi said.”We are joining your voices today to demand and request that our daughters be returned.”

The protesters had planned to march on the presidential villa but were blocked by security operatives.

The president also sent delegates to meet with the group at the Villa gate on Yakubu Gowon Crescent.

The delegates, which include the Ministers for Women Affairs, Zainab Maina; Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe; Environment, Laurentia Mallam, and Ms. Eyakenyi, received a letter from the group on behalf of Mr. Jonathan.

Also speaking, Chairman, Chibok community in Abuja, Hosea Abana, said he had taken to hiding from his people to avoid questions on the possible rescue of the girls.

He pleaded with the Nigerian government to explore all possible options, including negotiations and exchange of prisoners for the safe rescue of the girls.

The group also pleaded with the government to put in place intervention mechanism for the rehabilitation of the girls when they return, especially with the escape of one of the girls, Susana Ishaya.

They reminded the president of the promise he made to the Chibok parents during their visit to Abuja.

They also asked Mr. Jonathan to deploy all available resources to ensure the rescue of the girls.

The convener of the campaign group, Obiageli Ezekwesili, indicated interest in enlisting in the military, and urged the nation’s security forces to explore the option of recruiting more Nigerians into the forces.

“I woke up and I asked my husband: is it possible for me to sign up in the Nigerian Army, I want to go,” Ms. Ezekwesili said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Related