The #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) movement has called on the Federal Government to make public the findings of the 2014 Brigadier General Mohammed Sabo-led Fact-Finding Committee on the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls. The movement criticized both past and present administrations for failing to release the report, despite multiple requests, including through the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act.
Call for Government Accountability
In a statement issued on Sunday, signed by the group’s spokesperson, Jeff Okoroafor, BBOG reminded President Bola Tinubu’s administration of its constitutional duty to ensure the safety of all Nigerian citizens. The group also demanded an update on the ongoing search for the remaining abducted girls.
The statement emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that families of the missing girls deserve closure and accountability from the government.
“The #BringBackOurGirls movement wishes to remind the President Bola Tinubu administration of its constitutional duty to protect all citizens. To this effect, the administration has a duty to provide an account of the status of the rescue of the remaining Chibok girls to their families and the Nigerian people,” the statement read.
The movement also expressed frustration over the government’s reluctance to release the Sabo Committee’s findings.
“Critically, the Tinubu administration, like its predecessors, has failed to release the Sabo Fact-Finding Committee Report, despite our movement’s request, including through an FoI process.”
Background on the Chibok Abduction
On April 14, 2014, 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. The mass abduction sparked global outrage and led to the formation of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, which has since continued to advocate for the girls’ safe return.
In response to mounting pressure, then-President Goodluck Jonathan established the Sabo Committee on May 6, 2014, to investigate the incident. The committee submitted its findings on June 20, 2014, confirming that 276 girls had been abducted. At the time of the report, 57 girls had escaped, while 219 remained missing.
Current Status of the Chibok Girls
Over a decade later, progress has been made in rescuing some of the girls, but 78 remain missing. According to BBOG, out of the 219 girls officially declared missing, 141 have regained their freedom, with many returning to school. However, concerns remain that some of the missing girls may have been forced to integrate into terrorist enclaves.
“The Sabo Committee submitted an investigation report on June 20, 2014, confirming that 276 Chibok girls were indeed abducted on the night of April 14, 2014. The committee’s report further stated that 57 of the abducted girls escaped, and officially declared 219 Chibok schoolgirls missing,” BBOG stated.
“As of today, February 10, 2025, 141 of the 219 missing Chibok girls have returned, with the majority resuming their education. Most tragically, 78 remain missing and unaccounted for by the Government of Nigeria, while informal sources suggest that they may have integrated into life within terrorist enclaves.”
Renewed Calls for Transparency
BBOG urged President Tinubu’s administration to fulfill its constitutional obligation by providing an update on the status of the remaining missing girls. The movement also encouraged Nigerians to join in demanding the release of all investigative reports related to the Chibok abduction.
The group stressed that withholding such reports only fuels speculation and prevents meaningful accountability. Okoroafor called on citizens to stand with the movement in seeking a full public disclosure of the government’s findings and efforts regarding the tragedy.
Conclusion
The continued lack of transparency surrounding the Chibok girls’ abduction remains a pressing issue. The #BringBackOurGirls movement insists that full disclosure of the 2014 Sabo Fact-Finding Committee Report is necessary to provide closure to affected families and ensure accountability. Whether the Tinubu administration will heed this call remains to be seen, but the demand for justice and transparency continues.
