Its tear of joy galore as the 82 Chibok schoolgirls recently released after more than three years in Boko Haram captivity reunited with their families for the first time Saturday in Abuja
One small group sank to their knees, with a woman raising her hands as if praising in church. Others were in tears.
“I am really happy today, I am Christmas and New year, I am very happy and I thank God,” said mother Godiya Joshua, whose daughter Esther was among those freed.
Emotional reunion.
It was the largest liberation of hostages since 276 Chibok schoolgirls were abducted from their boarding school in 2014. “We have trust in this government, definitely they will rescue the rest safely and back to us alive,” said community leader Yakubu Nkeki.
The release of the 82 schoolgirls this month came after an initial group of 21 girls was released in October.
Nigeria’s government has acknowledged negotiating with Boko Haram for their release, with mediation help from the Swiss government and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
