A week after hundreds of schoolgirls were kidnapped from their boarding school, they have been released by their captors in Jangebe, Nigeria.
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The girls recalled their experiences of abuse with the gunmen before their eventual release. According to Metro UK, 15-year-old Farida Lawali said the men would hit the victims with guns and threatened to shoot them if they didn’t follow orders. “They started hitting us with guns so that we could move. ‘While they were beating them with guns, some of them were crying and moving at the same time,” she states. Each schoolgirl underwent medical examinations after they were placed in a state government building for safety.
Gov. Dr. Bello Matawalle confirmed the news on his official Twitter page:‘It gladdens my heart to announce the release of the abducted students of GGSS Jangebe from captivity. This follows the scaling of several hurdles laid against our efforts. I enjoin all well-meaning Nigerians to rejoice with us as our daughters are now safe.’
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Local news sources said the gunmen returned the girls in exchange for amnesty. Media adviser Zailani Bappa said in a statement that the gunmen asked to be relocated to a site with new schools, hospitals, and other facilities for their change of heart.
‘The process means amnesty for those who repent and will be assisted to resettle. Hence, no monetary inducement or ransom was involved in the rescue. It was a willing surrender of the girls. Those who surrender their arms will be assisted to start a new life. Since they are herders, they will be supported with a few cows each.’