The
American University of Nigeria (AUN) has hailed
the release of 21 young women
kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists, 913 days after their abduction from the
village of Chibok in the country’s northeast.
The
kidnapping caused an international outcry and social media sensation captured
in the collective demand of “#BringBackOurGirls,” and many people throughout
the world continue to closely monitor news of their fate.
“I
am thrilled that the young women have been released and hope that after they
recover they are able to continue their lives and education in peace, “said AUN
President Margee Ensign.
AUN
has a special bond with all of the victims and their families, Dr. Ensign said.
Of the 58 young women who escaped that
night in April 2014, 24 are now studying at AUN on full scholarships provided
by a donor from the U.S. They are placed under a preparatory Foundation program
at AUN where they receive specialized tutoring in English and math. Last year
two of the young women were admitted into the university’s undergraduate
programs, having met JAMB requirement, and four more were fully enrolled this
fall.
“We
are happy beyond words that some of our sisters and friends are now free,” said
one of the Chibok students, who is now an undergraduate studying to be a
medical doctor. “We hope and pray that
those still held will be given their freedom soon, and that some will join us
here so that we can all work to rebuild our home.”
AUN
does not release the identities of the students for security reasons.
Dr.
Ensign commended the Nigerian government for its ongoing efforts to seek the
release of the women, and urged authorities to work tirelessly to free those
still being held. “We stand ready to
help rebuild the lives of all of these young women and their families.”
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