Jonathan Explains Why Abducted Girls Have Not Been Rescued
President Goodluck Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday, said the over 234 secondary school girls that were abducted in Chibok, Borno State on April 14, 2014, are yet to be rescued because government wants to bring them back alive.
The president made this known during the weekly National Council of State meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the security situation in the country was deliberated on with particular attention on the kidnapped school girls.
According to The Nation, the meeting was attended by former Presidents and Heads of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, Shehu Shagari, Ibrahim Babangida, Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Ernest Shonekan.
The President, who presided in the meeting urged Nigerians to be patient on the security challenges in the country as security agencies have to be cautious in order to reduce any loss of lives.
Governor, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, who was
accompanied by Governor Adams Oshiomhole
of Edo State, as well as the
Kaduna State Governor, Yero Ramalan, disclosed details of the meeting to
journalists.
Akpabio while briefing newsmen said: "Top on the agenda
of the meeting was the security of the nation. We were briefed by the
President, and the National Security Adviser on the steps that are being
taken. Top on the security was the rescue of Chibok girls which
military authorities also confirmed that efforts were being made and
that very soon we will have good news".
He added that: "It
was also heartwarming to note that the issue is not whether we can
rescue the girls, but the issue is how can we rescue them in a way that
we can ensure their safety so that we don’t end up in the attempt to
rescue them we endanger their lives. What also came out is the need for
Nigerians to be patient because terrorism is a new challenge in Nigeria
and it is not something that goes away immediately and we have to be
meticulous in our approach and make sure that we take the best steps
forward to reduce and minimize possible loss of lives in an attempt to
curb the insurgents. We are very satisfied the security agents know very
well where the girls are located and they are on top of situation".
Akpabio further told newsmen that: "The other issue was
the general security of the nation and this is to assure the public
that the military authorities working in concert with the governors of
various states of the federation are on top of the situation and that we
require patience, cooperation in order to bring the situation to an
end. What also came out of the discussion was the need for every person
to be vigilant in which ever part of the country you are in because
security is everybody’s business. You have to know your
neighbour and understand your environment and report any suspicious
movement to security agents".
The governor, who also revealed that the Council commended the security operatives in their fight against terrorism said:
"We are happy that very serious efforts are being made, all necessary
equipment that will enable us bring this insurgency to and end are being
procured by the federal government and Council was satisfied that Mr.
President is on top of situation and he is taking this issue of
insurgency very seriously and sooner than later Nigerians will see an
end to this problem".
It would be recalled that on Sunday, 6th July, 2014, the Chief of Army Staff, Kenneth Minimah, disclosed that the Nigerian army is acquiring new equipment to wage war against terrorism, adding that the Nigerian army has also developed new strategies to fight against the insurgency bedeviling the nation as well as to curb future security challenges.
