Representatives of the Chibok Community in Borno State on Tuesday met with the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in Abuja.

The group conveyed the appreciation of the community to President Jonathan and the Federal Government for standing with them, liberating their communities from the control of Boko Haram and putting in place structures for the re-construction and rehabilitation of their communities so their brothers and sisters can go back home.

They joined millions of Nigerians in commending the valiant efforts of the Nigerian military in reclaiming majority of territories that were under the control of Boko Haram.

The leader of the group Mallam Dunoma Npur stated that though the community eagerly awaits the return of its daughters, they are convinced from the consistent efforts being taken by the government that all is being done to secure their early release and that should not stop the re-construction of the Chibok Secondary School, which was destroyed by the Boko Haram terrorists.

“Our priority is the rescue of our daughters, please bring them back safe. We are here to dispel the reports of rejecting the building of the school. We parents who are at home, we need the reconstruction of this school, and we welcome it wholeheartedly.

“Our prayers are with our daughters and we hope and pray to see them very soon. We need them home and soonest, but this will not stop us from agreeing with the fact that we need our school rebuilt as we hopefully await their arrival home, we living within the community have children redundant at home without going to school,” he said.

The visitors commended the Minister for the recent foundation laying for the re-building of the Chibok Secondary School and asked that the Minister conveys the collective appreciation and support of the Chibok Community to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on their behalf.

The Minister thanked them for maintaining “a strong spirit’ in spite of everything that has happened to them.

“You are still strong, you have not allowed the experiences to define you. You must stay strong in order to, by the grace of God, receive your daughters.”

She assured the group that the Government is fully committed and will not leave any stone unturned in its efforts to secure the release of the Chibok girls.

•Photo shows Okonjo-Iweala.

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