Over 90 Chibok girls still missing after 11 years amid ongoing violence

In Nigeria, the nation recently marked the 11th anniversary of the Chibok kidnapping, a tragic event that continues to resonate as more details of ongoing violence against Christians emerge. This anniversary highlights the unfortunate reality that over 90 of the girls abducted by Boko Haram remain missing, many possibly indoctrinated and forced into harsh circumstances. Reports from various Nigerian newspapers underscore a growing concern regarding the government's inability or unwillingness to take decisive action in recovering these girls. The situation worsens as violence against Christian communities in the Middle Belt escalates, with incidents of mass killings and terrorism attributed to Fulani jihadists. In recent weeks, a spate of attacks targeted Christian villages, resulting in the deaths of dozens, including significant attacks in Plateau State. Eyewitness accounts describe brutal methods employed in these assaults, including mass rapes and the burning of church properties. Local officials, including Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, have condemned these acts, labeling them as attempted genocide. Governor Mutfwang has called for a comprehensive investigation to uncover who is funding these acts of terror, expressing doubts that they are executed by ordinary individuals. The anniversary comes at a time when many Christians are preparing for Holy Week, emphasizing the grave risk they face in their daily lives. The ongoing violence has sparked questions about the response from government security agencies, with critics arguing that their actions have been insufficient. There are widespread feelings of abandonment among the families of the missing girls, as well as those affected by the latest attacks. The Nigerian government’s perceived negligence regarding the Chibok girls further complicates the situation, raising doubts about its commitment to addressing radical terrorism in the country. Calls for justice remain loud, but many lament the lack of tangible government efforts to protect vulnerable communities or retrieve abducted individuals. These events illustrate a troubling pattern of violence that tarnishes Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, raising alarm for both national and international observers. The enduring absence of the Chibok girls serves as a painful reminder of the threats faced by innocent civilians in the ongoing struggle against extremist ideologies, which continue to destabilize Nigeria and its surrounding regions.