Women Interfaith Council Ask Govt to Immediately Secure Release Of Dapchi, Chibok School Girls
By ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna
As the International Women’s Day (IWD) is globally celebrated today, Interfaith Forum of Muslim and Christian Women’s Associations also known as Women Interfaith Council (WIC) a non-profit, non-partisan and non-governmental coalition of women faith leaders in Kaduna State has called on the federal government to intensify efforts towards ensuring the immediate release of the 110 school girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in Dapchi, Yobe State and the remaining chihok girls IN Borno State.
At a press conference jointly addrressed by Hajia Amina Kazaure WIC General Coordinator, Rev. Sr. Anne Falola, OLA
Executive Director, Hajia Daharatu Ahmed Aliyu WIC, Muslim Coordinator Mrs. Elizabeth Abuk WIC, Christian Coordinator said, “we are also using this occasion of 2018 IWD to call for the immediate rescue of 110 school girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in Dapchi, Yobe State”
According to the WIC, it is worrisome that the abduction came similar to the one in Chibok nearly four years ago which according to them clearly shows that no lesson has been learnt on issue of security in schools, thus exposing school girls to the trauma of captivity of the insurgents.
“As mothers of peace, we appeal in tears to the insurgents to release the Dapchi captives and the remaining Chibok school girls, as well as, every person in their captivity. We abhor the culture of using women and girls as objects of war and tools to perpetuate political violence; we know that our religions, Islam and Christianity are not in support of this uncivilized practice.
“While we berate several unprovoked attacks on communities in parts of Nigeria, we also denounce intra-community conflicts which is fueled by ignorance, misunderstanding and unrestrained anger.
“As mothers, we are concerned about the reality of poverty, unemployment and violence in our land with women at the center of their fall outs. We also acknowledge the actions of government at all levels and international donor agencies targeted at addressing these ills. We want more proactive actions in this regard.
“While we lament the unfortunate violent conflicts that caused many of our people to flee their homes, we are disturbed also about the precarious conditions of women and children in IDP Camps across the country which exposes them to extreme poverty, exploitation and sexual abuse.
“We witnessed one of such in the recent disturbance of the peace in Kasuwan Magani community of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, we therefore use this medium to appeal to the good people of Kasuwan Magani – adherent of all religions, irrespective of gender and ethnic group, let the entire community begin immediate search for reconciliation and give lasting peace a chance.
“On our part, we are using this campaign to forge positive visibility and celebrate WIC women’s achievements through our various initiatives like Training of Mothers’ School where we built the capacity of over 500 women on the prevention of violent extremism. Since the last IWD, we have also trained 37 women and young girls on our Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Project for self-employment and economic empowerment.
“we implore government at all levels to prioritize the interest of the populace and their wellbeing, rather than their political ambitions. We, as an organization, will continue to provide platforms for women faith associations to continue to work together to building peace and stability in Kaduna State in particular, and Nigeria at large by addressing conflict and issues of concern to women”.
The WIC assured to continue to advocate untiringly for a levelled playing ground for women, men and youth alike towards harnessing the uniqueness and experience of every strata of the society in building a just, inclusive and prosperous nation.
