Photo: Zagazola
The Nigerian army announced on April 18th that one of the schoolgirls who had been abducted from the town of Chibok more than a decade ago has been safely rescued. The statement issued by the military provided a photo of Lydia Simon, who is five months pregnant, along with the three children whom she gave birth to while in captivity. No further details were given surrounding Lydia's rescue, other than the fact that she was found in the community of Ngoshe. At last report, the young woman was yet to be reunited with her family.
On April 14th, 2014, a total of 276 girls were abducted by Boko Haram militants while at their secondary school in Chibok, a predominantly Christian town in Borno State. While many of the students have either escaped or been freed over the years, it is believed that approximately 90 victims remain missing today. Since many of the recovered girls were forcibly married to their captors, they may be at risk of the cultural stigma associated with their pregnancies or having borne children during captivity. While speaking at a 10th-anniversary service, Yana Gala – whose daughter is one of the 90 girls still missing – is more concerned about their safe return. "My hope and prayer is that the God [who] doesn't fail will bring back our own children," she says. "Even if they have children now, no matter the condition they are in, we want them that way."
The attack on Chibok is just one of many kidnapping incidents perpetrated by militant Islamic groups in Nigeria. To view previously published reports on this attack, and/or to learn about the other challenges Nigerian Christians encounter, go to our country report.
Praise God for the rescue of Lydia and her children, along with the other young women who have been recovered over the past ten years! As they re-adjust to their daily lives, pray that each one of them will receive emotional, physical and spiritual healing. As for the Chibok schoolgirls who remain missing and separated from their families, pray that the Lord will provide them ongoing grace and protection, as well as the help they need. Wherever these young women are located, may they continue to sense His unfailing love and presence in their lives. Please also prayerfully uphold their concerned families as they anxiously await news of the missing girls' rescue and well-being. May they too experience God's strength, comfort and hope.
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