Amnesty International (AI) has tasked the Federal Government to investigate alleged security failures leading to the abduction of the now released school girls from Dapchi in Yobe State.
On Wednesday, 105 girls out of 110 as well as a boy were released. Another five are said to have died according to one of the freed girls, from “heart attack, trauma and stress.” One is still missing, reportedly held for insisting on her faith.
Osai Ojigho, AI director in Nigeria, described the release of the girls as a huge relief for their families.
She, however, added that the insurgents “must immediately” release the remaining girl in custody and all other abductees.
“Moreover, the released girls are currently being held in the government’s custody, further prolonging their ordeal,” she said in a statement.
“The authorities must immediately release them, and ensure that they are able to return to their families or be provided with an alternative safe option if they so choose.
“The authorities must also ensure the girls have access to comprehensive support, including confidential counselling and medical care.
“Furthermore, it remains absolutely vital that the Nigerian government investigates the security failures that lead to the abduction – a fact highlighted by the tragic news that five of the schoolgirls died in captivity.
“The Dapchi abduction must be the catalyst for the government to ensure adequate protection of all schools in northeast Nigeria so that this can never happen again.”
The organisation also asked the government to publish the results of investigations into the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls “as a first step towards meeting its responsibility of protecting civilians from Boko Haram attacks.”