Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed deep regret and pain over the 2014 abduction of 276 Chibok schoolgirls, saying the incident has left an indelible scar on his legacy.
Speaking at the public presentation of “SCARS: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a memoir by former Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor, on Friday in Abuja, Jonathan admitted that the tragedy would haunt him forever.
Jonathan praised Irabor’s service, noting that the retired officer was “a soldier who stood for truth and never played politics with security.”
Reflecting on his presidency, Jonathan admitted that the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, would haunt him forever.
“The title of this book is quite interesting. One of the major scars on my government is the Chibok Girls.
The Chibok abduction, which occurred on April 14, 2014, sparked widespread outrage and a global campaign, #BringBackOurGirls, with many families still awaiting the safe return of their loved ones.
Despite efforts by successive governments, more than 80 girls remained unaccounted for, with survivors struggling to rebuild their lives after experiencing trauma, stigma, and interrupted education.
Jonathan defended his government’s response to the crisis, citing the need to prioritise sensitive investigations and intelligence operations.
However, his administration faced criticism for delayed in public statements and accepting foreign assistance, with some accusing him of politicising the tragedy.
The former president emphasised that the Boko Haram insurgency was more complex than commonly assumed, requiring a nuanced approach beyond military action.
He suggested that external forces might be involved in sustaining the insurgency, citing the group’s access to sophisticated weaponry.
Jonathan revealed that Boko Haram once nominated his successor, Muhammadu Buhari, as their preferred negotiator in peace talks with the government.
However, despite Buhari’s assumption of office and campaign promises to wipe out Boko Haram, the insurgency persists.
Today, the Chibok abduction remained a national priority, with the Federal Government committed to securing the release of the remaining girls.
The incident served as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of insurgency and ensure the security and well-being of Nigerian citizens.
