A Decade After Tragedy: Reflecting on the Aftermath of the Chibok Girls Kidnapping 

Ten years have passed since 276 girls were abducted from their school in Chibok, Borno state, Nigeria. This event led to a worldwide outcry and the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. 

While being transported, 57 girls escaped by jumping off the van, and in the months and years that followed, over 100 of them have escaped, been rescued, or released through negotiations.  However, 100 girls are still being held captive and their whereabouts remain unknown. 

Undoubtedly, the kidnapping of the Chibok girls affected Nigerians and the global community, revealing the vulnerability of young children in conflict areas. 

The situation of the girls, many of whom have escaped or been liberated within the last 10 years, has been brought to the attention of the public through marches, campaigns, and several other activities.

Patience Bulus, who was one of the escaped Chibok girls who jumped out of the Boko Haram kidnappers’ van 10 years ago expressed concern for her fellow sisters who are still in captivity. 

Since the Chibok kidnapping occurred ten years ago, there has been some emphasis focused on what transpired that night, much of which she feels is insincere. 

“Why do we have to wait until 10 years before everyone is coming out writing about it, talking about it? What happened in between? After this tenth anniversary, are we going to keep quiet again? I feel like people forget that this is a real story about real people. 

“It wasn’t made up. The girls are still out there. We don’t know how they’re sleeping or eating. It’s our real lives and it’s affecting us and the girls’ families. It’s traumatizing,” says Bulus, who still has nightmares about that night.

Patience is now 27 years old, but the memories of everything that happened still troubles her and she cannot forget it.

She is graduating from college in a few weeks, grateful to achieve her dreams of getting an education and looking forward to the future where she can give back to society. 

Patience Bulus, in admiration for her sisters who are still out there, wrote a letter to remind the world that they are not forgotten and to keep hoping that one day they’ll be found. 

A LETTER OF LOVE AND HOPE TO MY SISTERS 

Dear Classmates,

I’m writing this letter with a heavy heart and hope that we will see each other again someday. Ever since that scary night when Boko Haram took us from our school in Chibok, life has not been the same. I managed to escape, but I can’t forget the bond we shared and the tough times we went through together.

I want you to know that I haven’t forgotten about you. Even though I’m free now, I think about you every single day. It breaks my heart to know that you’re still stuck in the forest, far away from your families. But please know that you’re not alone. I believe that God is watching over you, and I’m always praying for you.

I admire your courage and strength. I know it’s hard, but please don’t lose hope. Keep fighting for your freedom, no matter what. I know the road ahead might seem impossible, but remember, you’re not alone. Hold onto memories of home to keep you going.

One day, this nightmare will end. One day, you will be free again, and you will be together with your loved ones. Until then, remember that you’re loved, and you’re not forgotten.

With all my love and prayers.

Your friend and classmate,

Patience Bulus