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| Chibok Girl Freed Alongside Children, Leaving 6 Captives Behind |
“The Chibok abduction by Boko Haram terrorists a decade ago triggered international outrage and a global campaign for their return, symbolized by the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls,” stated Theater Commander Major General Wahidi Shaibu
Lydia Simon, one of the 276 girls abducted from Chibok in 2014, has regained her freedom, according to officials. Emerging from captivity with three children, Lydia revealed that six of her schoolmates remained behind in the Gwoza area of Borno, northeastern Nigeria.
Lydia, now 27, was taken a decade ago during her final exams at Government Secondary School in Chibok. She is recognized as the 195th girl to regain freedom.
“I was married to three men, each the father of one of my three children,” Lydia recounted. “Unfortunately, my first, second, and third husbands were killed in battles with soldiers.”
During her decade-long ordeal, Lydia lived among other abducted schoolgirls until she was relocated to the Bayan Dutse area in Gwoza.
“There were six other Chibok girls living with me at Bayan Dutse,” she said. “However, I cannot account for those we left behind in Sambisa.”
Despite her newfound freedom, Lydia's enthusiasm for education has waned.
“I simply want to return home and care for my children; I no longer feel mentally prepared for learning,” she expressed.
Lydia made these statements while being handed over to the Borno state government by the Nigerian military.
“The Chibok abduction by Boko Haram terrorists a decade ago triggered international outrage and a global campaign for their return, symbolized by the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls,” stated Theater Commander Major General Wahidi Shaibu.
“Since then, the Nigerian military has rescued 18 of them through various operations, with Lydia and her three children being the latest rescue on April 17.”
Brigadier AGL Haruna, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army's 7 Division, confirmed that Lydia and her children are now receiving intensive medical care under the division's supervision.
“We have provided for their needs and ensured they are clothed. At this point, we believe they are ready to be handed over to state government officials for further care.”
