NIGERIA: CHIBOK GIRL AMONG 331 RESCUED FROM BOKO HARAM

Praise God that 331 people, mostly women and children, held captive by Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, have been rescued by the Nigerian army! Among those freed is Ihyi Abdul, originally abducted from her school in Chibok in 2014, and her two children; she is pregnant with her third child.  

According to Nigerian news, the military have handed over everyone rescued to the Borno State Governor. This rescue was part of an ongoing initiative in the north east called Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).  

Forcibly married to eight men in 10 years 

Ihyi Abdul, now 27 years old, shared in a statement that she walked for days before reaching a military checkpoint, ‘where they took me and my children in’. She gave a glimpse into what life inside Boko Haram camps looks like for women: “I married eight men and gave birth to three children for different husbands.” 

Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna said, “The plight of the remaining Chibok girls still in captivity necessitated the conduct of military operations deep into the terrorists’ enclaves with the aim of facilitating their release. OPHK will continue to do its best to rescue the remaining Chibok girls in line with the strategic guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.” 

“Please do not stop praying for us” 

“We are thankful for the rescue of Boko Haram abductees, says Jo Newhouse*, spokesperson for Open Doors field work in sub-Saharan Africa. “The international community should urge the Nigerian Government to continue its efforts to liberate the hostages held by Boko Haram, including Leah Sharibu and all Chibok girls who remain in captivity.”  

“We extend our deepest appreciation to the many Open Doors supporters and the body of Christ across the globe who persevere in prayer for those who have been kidnapped,” Jo continues. “This is the request that we receive from parents and families of those who have been kidnapped over and over: ‘Please do not stop praying for us, for our children and our families. Pray that we will be reunited with them again in this life.’”