The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has described the abduction of female students of the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State by the Boko Haram sect as an attack on every Nigerian.
Speaking at an Inter-denominational Prayer session organized by the state for the release of the abducted students to mark the 2014 Children’s Day, the Governor also said that the continued abduction of the girls was unacceptable.
The State Government, which had said that the Children’s Day celebration would not be marked with the usual fanfare, gathered children and religious leaders at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta to offer prayers for the release of the girls.
Touched as he watched the children crying to God, Amosun expressed concern over the prolonged abduction of the girls at the event tagged ‘Prayerful Children’s Day’, and described the dastardly act by the sect as an attempt to “hold the future of Nigeria” to ransom.
“Having watched this children here today with the talents and abilities they have displayed here today, I ask myself how can anybody be against this children?” he said.
The Governor commended the efforts of the security agencies towards ensuring the freedom of the girls, adding that although there were still lots of challenges to deal with, they need the support of the leaders and every Nigerian.
He assured the citizens of the state, particularly the children that his administration would continue to ensure their safety, advising the children to eschew all forms of social vices and acts that are capable of bringing the state and nation into disrepute.
On her part, the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, while regretting that the fun and warmth that characterizes the Children’s Day had been painfully affected by the abduction of the Chibok girls, assured the children that the mothers would continue to pray and give necessary support that would aid the quick release of their fellows.
Also the Speaker of the State Children Parliament, Miss Seun Jayeola, called on the President and the state governments to do all within their powers to ensure the safe release of the abducted girls and also give priority to child education and rights in Nigeria.
