Urgent Support Needed for Freed Boko Haram Captives, Says Borno Government
Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the Borno Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, has emphasized the immediately need for intervention to empower freed Boko Haram captives, aiming to improve their economic and social welfare. His comments came during a courtesy visit from Hamsatu Allamin, CEO of the Allamin Foundation for Peace, in Maiduguri on Friday.
He highlighted the importance of providing support to facilitate the reintegration of these individuals into society, enabling them to lead normal lives. He expressed concern over the vulnerability of some freed victims, many of whom have suffered sexual abuse due to poverty and a lack of support systems.
“I recently encountered an 11-year-old girl surrounded by three children, which was heartbreaking,” he recounted. “Additionally, young girls aged 13 to 15 have been repatriated by Cameroonian authorities with multiple children. These vulnerable individuals require immediate assistance and reintegration efforts.”
The commissioner noted that the prevalence of sexual abuse among these victims can be linked to their circumstances and limited survival options. He called for the establishment of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers in border communities such as Bama, Gwoza, and Kamburungara to empower resettled victims.
“We need sustainable programs to tackle their vulnerability and provide viable alternatives. Poverty often leads these individuals to engage in vices like prostitution. By offering skills training and support, we can help them rebuild their lives,” he explained.
Wakilbe also stressed the importance of addressing the educational needs of children affected by conflict, noting that traditional education systems are ill-equipped to meet their unique challenges. “Our education system must accommodate these children, but it lacks the necessary resources to address their specific needs. Many of them have witnessed unimaginable violence, abduction, and displacement, which calls for tailored de-radicalization and reintegration programs,” he added.
Wakilbe cited the unsuccessful attempts to integrate some of the Chibok girls into regular schools, revealing that the principals reported their inability to handle the unique challenges faced by these children. “As a result, we had to transfer them to specialized programs like Second Chance schools,” he noted.
He raised concerns about the lack of long-term planning for the education of conflict-affected children, criticizing donor agencies for implementing programs that fail to meet immediate needs. He also mentioned that teaching local languages, such as Hausa, in predominantly Kanuri-speaking areas missed the mark, advocating for English language instruction to better prepare children for modern education.
Wakilbe highlighted that approximately 67,000 women and children currently reside in camps, urging stakeholders not to overlook their plight. “We must rethink our approach to educating and reintegrating these individuals. Centers for skill development and start-up support for girls are essential. With viable alternatives, they can rebuild their lives,” he asserted.
Wakilbe revealed that the state government has trained over 300 women in vocational skills and provided start-up packs to help them achieve self-reliance. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborate with development organizations to address the challenges faced by conflict victims.
In hisremarks, Allamin called for immediate interventions to tackle critical issues identified during the peace-building programs initiated by her organization. She reported that the foundation has rehabilitated hundreds of women and girls involved in the insurgency through its community-based de-radicalization initiative, encouraging their peers to surrender to authorities.
