UN urges Nigeria not to relent on Chibok
girls

Abuja - The Special Representative of the United
Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and
High-Level Representative of the Secretary-General
to Nigeria, Said Djinnit, encouraged locals to keep
the momentum towards securing the safe release of
the Chibok schoolgirls.
This followed the end of his third visit to the country,
which ran from July 11 to 15.
During the visit, Djinnit held consultations with
Government officials and the leadership of the
National Assembly, former Heads of State, heads of
defense and security services and agencies, civil
society organisations including the “Bring Back our
Girls” Movement and religious leaders.
He also met Malala Yousafzai, Girls Education
activist on visit to Nigeria.
The envoy also interacted with regional and
international partners involved in supporting
Nigeria’s efforts to address the insecurity in the
North East, and they reviewed and discussed their
support to Nigeria’s efforts in facing the scourge of
terrorism in light of the conclusions of the Paris and
London meetings.
Djinnit reviewed, with all his interlocutors, progress
being made in efforts to rescue the abducted Chibok
school girls and to address the larger crisis resulting
from the activities of Boko Haram group.
He encouraged Government officials to pursue their
multi-dimensional approach to addressing insecurity
and insurgency in North-Eastern Nigeria.
The High Representative further encouraged
Government’s ongoing efforts towards the safe
release of the abducted girls.
In this regard, he paid tribute to a cross section of
Nigerians for their engagement for, and solidarity
support to, the abducted school girls and other
abductees and their families.
He welcomed the crucial efforts deployed by religious
leaders in support of peaceful coexistence among
Nigerians.
Djinnit reiterated the continued support of the
United Nations to Nigeria’s efforts, particularly in
the area of coordination for the delivery of
humanitarian assistance, and for capacity building
with regard to Human Rights and international
Humanitarian Law as well as counter terrorism.
He stressed the commitment of the United Nations
to the unity and stability of Nigeria and the
consolidation of its democratic achievements.
He therefore reiterated his appeal to all leaders to
look beyond political divides and work together in
addressing the insecurity and insurgency
confronting the nation.