President Muhammadu Buhari has warned those making political fortune of citizens’ misfortune, like the Dapchi girls saga, that security agencies would go after them if they persist.
He said government would not tolerate any attempt by any person or group to trivialize or politicize security issues for politically motivated ends.
“Accordingly, security agencies would not hesitate to decisively deal with such unscrupulous characters,” he said while receiving in Abuja 107 girls and others abducted from the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi in Yobe State.
The President may have been reacting to comments by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one of its governors, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, that the All Progressives Congress (APC) stage-managed the abduction and release.
The President said the release of the girls signified government’s commitment to the security and well-being of all Nigerians.
He added: “We are never in doubt about our focus and direction since the assumption of office of this Administration. Security, anti-corruption and revamping of our economy are the main focus of our government.
“You will recall that on 14th of this month, I paid a visit to Yobe State during which I sympathized with the parents, families, Government and people of the State for the tragic abduction of the students in Dapchi.
“I made a solemn pledge on my word of honour that this Administration would do everything possible to ensure the unconditional release of the girls.
“I further tasked all the appropriate security agencies to safely bring back the girls. We also reached out to our contacts at home and abroad. We embarked on back-channel shuttles with a clear view to bringing to an end this tragedy.
“We entered into negotiations solely to make sure that no single girl was hurt. This strategy paid off as the girls have been released without any incidents.
He reemphasized the Administration’s commitment to fight terrorism and insurgency, calling on all Nigerians, to join in the task.
He disclosed that the security agencies have been directed to put in place further measures around all schools vulnerable to attacks to ensure the safety of students, teachers and school workers.
He reassured the rescued students that they can freely live and pursue their dreams in Nigeria without fear of violence or molestation.
He appealed to the Chibok Community never to lose hope or despair adding that government is determined to bring back the remaining Chibok girls.
He said further: “While further efforts are being made to secure the release of every abducted citizen in Nigeria, Government is ever ready to accept the unconditional laying down of arms by members of the Boko Haram group, who show strong commitment in this regard. We are ready to rehabilitate and integrate such repentant members into the larger society.
“This country has suffered enough of hostility. Government is, therefore, appealing to all to embrace peace for the overall development of our people and the country.”
He thanked Nigerians, who in spite of political differences, prayed and showed solidarity with families of the abducted students, during the period of the captivity.