Growing concerns over missing girls in Nigeria #BringBackOurGirls

Oxfam in Nigeria has been watching very closely the unfolding situation of the missing girls in Chibok community of Borno State. We are very disappointed that 30 days after their abduction, the girls are yet to be brought back. Our concern goes out to the girls and their families at this very difficult time.

In Oxfam, women are at the heart of everything we do and education is a critical tool for girls to escape deprivation and inequality. This act of terror against the Chibok girls goes beyond their abduction. It strikes at education, the core of the bridge of poverty and discrimination for girls. Girls’ education must, therefore, be protected and promoted by all means necessary.

The conflict Nigeria is experiencing, according to Oxfam in Nigeria Country Director, Chichi Okoye, “has the potential to destabilize the whole region and should not be seen as a Nigerian problem alone.”

We therefore, strongly urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to put every resource available into finding these girls and ending this conflict. We also urge the International Community to provide all the necessary assistance the Nigerian Government needs to bring back our girls and end this conflict.

Oxfam is a confederation of 17 Affiliates committed to creating a just world without poverty. The vision of Oxfam in Nigeria is a Nigeria characterized by a transparent and accountable government, active citizens (men, women and youth), and private sector influencing policies and practices leading to shared growth that is equitable to meet the needs of people, especially the vulnerable poor.