The Secretary-General of the United Nations Organisation, Ban Ki-moon, on Friday welcomed the release of 21 Chibok schoolgirls, after more than two years in captivity. This was even as the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) lauded the Nigerian government and the international community for their efforts towards the release of the school girls early on Thursday.

A statement issued in New York by Ki-moon’s spokesman indicated that he remains deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of the remaining schoolgirls and other victims of abduction by Boko Haram, who are still in captivity.

News Express reports that about 219 students of the Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, were abducted from their dormitory by Boko Haram terrorists on April 14, 2014.

“The Secretary-General urges the international community to continue supporting the government of Nigeria in its efforts to secure their release, rehabilitation and reintegration. He calls for increased efforts to ensure additional humanitarian access in the north-east of Nigeria, and reiterates the continued commitment of the United Nations in this regard,” the statement said.

“The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, in his capacity as High Representative for Nigeria, continues to engage with the Nigerian authorities and international partners on this matter,” the statement added.

As for the NGE, a statement issued in Lagos on Friday by its General Secretary, Victoria Ibanga, recalled that it had through several communiques urged the Federal Government, the international community and other public spirited individuals and organisations to rally round and support efforts that would facilitate the rescue of the abducted Chibok girls.

The Guild also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces “for their immense contributions and sacrifice towards ensuring the return of peace to the north-eastern part of the country.”

It noted that the release of the girls showed the commitment of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that the abduction saga was brought to an end.

NGE called on the government to ensure that the remaining girls still under the custody of the Boko Haram terrorists are freed without any casualty and reunited with their parents.

It also urged the government and the international community to help rehabilitate the victims and ensure that those still interested in going to school are given the necessary assistance and scholarship to fulfil their dream.

•Photo shows some of the released Chibok schoolgirls.

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