DAPCHI GIRLS: We are disappointed, worried —CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said that it is disappointed and worried that one of the Dapchi schoolgirls was left behind simply because of her Christian faith.

The Boko Haram terrorists had on Wednesday brought back 104 of the 110 schoolgirls they abducted on February 19, from their school in Dapchi, Yobe State.

While about five of the girls were said to have died in captivity, the insurgent group kept one of the girls back, Leah Sharibu, because she refused to deny her Christian faith and convert to Islam.

But Pastor Bayo Oladeji, the Media Adviser to the CAN President in a statement on Friday, called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of national importance, release the report of the Presidential panel set up to investigate the abduction and subsequent release of the girls.

“CAN rejoices with the families of 104 Dapchi schoolgirls who regained their freedom from the captivity of the Boko Haram terrorists after the intervention of the Federal Government.

“The Association, is however, deeply worried, surprised and disappointed that not all the girls were rescue and indeed, that one of them was left behind simply because of her Christian faith.

“CAN condemns in strong terms the politicization of the abduction and release of the innocent Dapchi schoolgirls, appealing to politicians to live up to the expectation in the discharge of their official assignments.

“The Federal Government should set up a high power judicial panel to investigate the abduction of the school girls with a view to unmasking those behind the abduction and make them face the full wrath of the law.

“The report of the panel purportedly set up by the Presidency to investigate the abduction should be released immediately to the public.

“The National Assembly should conduct a Public Hearing on the Dapchi abduction saga to expose any cover up.

“The Federal Government should name the five students said to have died while in captivity with compensation paid to the bereaved parents.

READ ALSO : Buhari receives Dapchi girls, promises amnesty to Boko Haram, warns Politicians

“We also demand the immediate release of the remaining Chibok girls in the Boko Haram captivity and reunion with their families.

“We once again demand a total re-organisation of the security agencies aligned with professionalism that will make them respond rapidly to security challenges in any part of the country. We desire a proactive security system,” the CAN statement read in part.

 

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