Back in April 14, 2014, nearly 300 high school girls were abducted in Chibok, Nigeria by the militant group Boko Haram. According to the BBC, Boko Haram is a terrorist group that wants to increase Islamic practices and get rid of anything that is associated with Western society. The group has been in Nigeria for years, but the abduction of the Chibok girls caught worldwide attention.
Although the mainstream media does not report much about the girls any more, there are still people wanting to bring awareness of what is happening. Fortunately, pressure, however unreported or under reported, is still being brought to bear. On Oct. 13, 21 girls were freed from their captors.
Last week, these 21 young women were returned to their parents, reportedly, after undergoing weeks of psychological and medical assessments. There where parents who were relieved that their daughters have been released, whereas others still hope that their daughters will soon return home. Since April 2014, the Nigerian government and Boko Haram have been negotiating for the freedom of the girls. But it has been reported over the two years that talks repeatedly fell through. According to research, the Sambisa Forest was the place where the Chibok girls were held. The dense Sambisa Forest is not that far from Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, but before the abduction, Nigerians didn’t necessary pay much attention to the forest.
On Dec. 22, the Nigerian army captured more than 500 Boko Haram fighters in their hideout. Government forces also freed more than 1,000 civilians who were in Boko Haram’s captivity.
Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 at 4 p.m., The House of the Lord Church will host an event for the remaining 196 girls who are still being held. This day will mark the 1,000th day since the girls were abducted. Pastor Dr. Karen S, Daughtry and National Minister Dr. Hebert Daughtry will host the prayer vigil and ask people to wear red if they plan to come to the event. The church is located at the 415 Atlantic Ave., between Bond and Nevins streets in Brooklyn, N.Y.