NIGERIA: THANK GOD FOR THE RESCUE OF LYDIA, ONE OF THE CHIBOK GIRLS

Join us in thanking God for another Chibok girl regaining her freedom. Lydia Simon has recently been rescued by the Nigerian army, according to a BBC report. She is a mother of three children born in captivity, and is five-months pregnant with her fourth child.

This latest rescue is a wonderful answer to prayer for the Chibok parents who gathered last weekend to commemorate the 10^thanniversary of the abduction of 276 girls from their school by Islamic militants, Boko Haram. Around 90 are still missing.

During the special anniversary service, parents told Open Doors partners that even if their daughters are freed with children, they do not care about the stigma that is often associated with women who return pregnant or have children with the Islamic militants who have held them captive.

“My hope and prayer is that the God that doesn’t fail will bring back our own children,” said Yana Gala, the parent of Rifkatu, a young woman who is still among the missing Chibok girls. She added, “Even if they have children now, no matter the condition they are in, we want them that way.”

“Prayer is our only solution”

Isia Malam, whose daughter Hauwa is still in captivity, also spoke to Open Doors partners, saying: “What I want the world to know is that the government should help find these girls wherever they are. I am pleading with them to pity us. Just like others were released, we too want our children to be released so I can be happy and forget my sorrows.”

The news of Lydia Simon’s release is reason for thanksgiving. Please continue to pray alongside the Chibok parents and community for the release of all the young women.

“Prayer is our only solution,” shared Hanata Dauda. Her daughter Saratu was freed but now lives in the government-run rehabilitation camp in Maiduguri. “If not for prayers, we don’t know what else to do, and with that we trust that, as God released some, He will release all.”