33rd AU Summit: Buhari Promises To Free All Children In Boko Haram Captivity

Speaking at the 33rd AU Summit in Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa, President Buhari also commended the renewed vigor by ECOWAS member countries to mobilize its own resources to combat terrorism (image courtesy: State House)

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has promised to ensure that everyone in the custody of the Boko Haram insurgents group regains freedom.

Buhari made the promise on Monday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during a high level breakfast dialogue on ‘‘Stop the War on Children Affected by Armed Conflicts, Dividend of Silencing the Guns’’, an event on the sidelines of the 33rd AU summit.

The programme was co-sponsored by the governments of Nigeria, Uganda, Norway, the AU Commission and Save the Children.

In a statement, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, quoted Buhari as urging African countries and stakeholders on the continent to work towards strengthening the protection of children from the six grave violations during armed conflict.

The violations include killing and maiming of children, recruitment or use of children as soldiers, sexual violence against children, abduction of children, attacks against schools or hospitals and denial of humanitarian access for children.

“A number of schoolgirls from Chibok and Dapchi earlier abducted by Boko Haram have regained their freedom,” Buhari said.

“We commend the gallant efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force and the partners in supporting the reintegration of the girls.

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