We’ll keep praying for Chibok girls — Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice-President and All Progressives Congress presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has encouraged Nigerians not to relent in prayers for the 43 schoolboys killed at the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, Yobe State, and about 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State last year.

In February 2014, members of the terrorist group, at about 2 am, stormed the Yobe college in 11 Hilux vans and killed the pupils while they were asleep.

The Boko Haram members reportedly set on fire the hostels which were locked, before shooting and slitting the throats of those who tried to climb out of the windows. Some of the pupils were burnt alive.

Similarly, in April 2014, Boko Haram insurgents abducted over 200 girls at the Senior Secondary School, Chibok, following a violent attack in the town. Eyewitnesses said the girls who were in school preparing for their Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations were abducted at about 3 am.

In a commemorative message on his Facebook page, Atiku wrote, "A year ago, young boys were brutally murdered by terrorists. We will never stop praying your killers be brought to justice.

"The Buni Yadi boys were killed for daring to be educated. They are the real heroes of education."

Unknown to most Nigerians, some of the Buni Yadi students were taken away by the terrorists, and their whereabouts remain unknown.

"We remain hopeful that the Buni Yadi boys, Chibok girls and all young people who have been abducted by terrorists will return home."