pledged to do all possible to rescue more than 200
schoolgirls abducted from Chibok in Borno State, by Boko
Haram militants, a year ago.
The girls were seized April 14, 2014 from their dormitories
as they prepared for exams.
The current federal government has failed to rescue them,
and has been widely criticised for not doing enough, until
recently, to tackle Boko Haram.
In a statement marking the girls' one year in captivity, Mr.
Buhari said his government will act differently.
But he warned that the new approach must begin with
"honesty", in admitting that the girls' whereabouts are
unknown, and that as much as he wishes to, he cannot
promise his government can find them.
Still, he assured "every parent, family member and friend of
the children that my Government will do everything in its
power to bring them home".
Read the full statement below:
President-elect Muhammadu Buhari: Statement on the
first anniversary of the kidnap by Boko Haram of 276
schoolgirls from Chibok
"Today we remember the kidnapping of 276 girls from a
school in Chibok one year ago. This crime has rightly
caused outrage both in Nigeria and across the world.
"Today is a time to reflect on the pain and suffering of the
victims, their friends and families. Our thoughts and
prayers, and that of the whole Nigerian Nation, are with
you today.
"I want to assure all of them, and particularly the parents,
that when my new Administration takes office at the end of
May, we will do everything we can to defeat Boko Haram.
We will act differently from the Government we replace: we
hear the anguish of our citizens and intend to respond
accordingly.
"This new approach must also begin with honesty. We do
not know if the Chibok girls can be rescued. Their
whereabouts remain unknown. As much as I wish to, I
cannot promise that we can find them. But I say to every
parent, family member and friend of the children that my
Government will do everything in its power to bring them
home.
"What I can pledge, with absolute certainty, is that starting
on the first day of my Administration Boko Haram will know
the strength of our collective will and commitment to rid
this nation of terror, and bring back peace and normalcy to
all the affected areas.
""Boko Haram" means "Western Education is Sinful". When
they are defeated militarily, as they will be, we will ensure
our citizens in the affected areas have improved
educational opportunities as a direct counterbalance to
Boko Haram's twisted ideology. In particular we will
educate ever more young girls ensuring they are
empowered as citizens of Nigeria.
"Let us use this anniversary to remind each other that the
attack on Chibok was an attack on the dreams and
aspirations of our young people.
"We stand united in our pledge to resist terror in Nigeria–
not just through military means but also through the power
of opportunity and the hope of a better future for all".
General Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR)
President-elect, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Daura, Katsina
Nigeria
13 April 2015.
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