Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has ordered rehabilitation of
Government Secondary School, Chibok, five years after being torched by
terrorists April 14, 2014.
The Boko Haram insurgents, also abducted 276 students, while sitting
for their Senior Secondary Certification Examination (SSCE) and
National Examination Council (NECO) in Chibok.
While ordering rehabilitation on Monday, he directed the Commissioner
of Education, Alhaji Bello Ayuba to assess extents of damage for
complete rehabilitation of school.
Even the Presidential Committee on Northeast Intervention (PCNI), had
done works on the school, most of roofs and rafters; were blown off
with shrubs and weeds.
The Federal Government during the Jonathan administration, took the
initiative of rehabilitation, without involving the state government.
While lamenting the abandoned school with Chibok community leaders, he
said: “Nothing had been done at this school remained what it was since
the Boko Haram attack in April, 2014.
His words: “I hereby direct the Ministry of Education to deploy an
assessment team of experts to come up with a design and cost
implication for immediate reconstruction and remodeling of torched
school.
“We will also ensure that the school is allocated adequate teachers,
already I have given a directive for recruitment of more teachers both
on permanent and ad-hoc staffing that will include volunteer
teachers.”
He noted that before posting of teachers, the rebuilding of school,
will comprise the equipping of school with learning facilities,
including laboratory for sciences.
“Before I come back to visit the school again, I want to see a
completely different scene for teaching and learning in Chibok,” he
said.
During the abduction, 219 of school girls were missing, while 57
escaped, about a week after the kidnap by insurgents.
Of the missing school girls, Amina Ali was found in May 2016.
In October 2016, 21 of the girls were also released by the terrorists
through negotiations, while another 82 were freed through negotiation
in May 2017.
The Nigerian military at different times rescued two girls, making
about 106, the number of the girls freed.
Over 100 abducted girls, still remain in the captivity of Boko Haram
terrorists, without knowing the fates.
While in Chibok, the Governor sympathized with 83 households, attacked
by Boko Haram insurgents in Takulashi community.
He also directed an immediate disbursement of N11 million for
households’ social protection. While over 100 girls have remained in
captivity with their fate unknown.
While sympathizing with victims, he said: “What happened in Takulashi
is very unfortunate. We share your pains and we all believe that
nothing can equal the value of a single life.
“However, I will present token to support the 83 families affected.”
In disbursing the funds, he said: “Twelve family members of those who
lost their lives during the attack are to each collect N300, 000.
“While, 53 people whose houses were burnt down are to receive N100,
000. The families of nine persons affected in the attack, are to each
collect N100, 000.”
He said five persons who sustained various degree of injuries are to
each received N150, 000; while four households each collected N150,
000 from the Governor.
