Leadnaija
The Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, has appealed for immediate and sustained intervention to support freed Boko Haram captives, particularly women and children, to ensure their reintegration into society.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Hamsatu Allamin, Chief Executive Officer of the Allamin Foundation for Peace, on Friday in Maiduguri, Wakilbe emphasized the urgency of addressing the plight of these vulnerable individuals, many of whom face severe economic and social challenges.
“There are 67,000 women and children in the camps. We cannot continue turning a blind eye,” Wakilbe said.Tap Here for the Full Story
“These individuals have experienced unimaginable violence, displacement, and trauma. Without intervention, their vulnerability exposes them to further abuse and exploitation.”
The commissioner recounted harrowing experiences of freed captives, including young girls repatriated from Cameroon with many children.
He shared a particularly heart-wrenching encounter with an 11-year-old girl burdened with three children.
“The Cameroonian authorities repatriated young girls aged 13 to 15 with multiple children. These vulnerable individuals need urgent reintegration and support,” Wakilbe said.
Wakilbe pointed to poverty as a significant driver of exploitation, including sexual abuse.
“Poverty drives many of these individuals into vices like prostitution. Once we offer skills and support, they can rebuild their lives,” he said.
He called for the establishment of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers in border communities such as Bama, Gwoza, and Kamburungara, to empower conflict-affected individuals with practical skills.
The commissioner also highlighted the limitations of traditional education systems in addressing the unique needs of conflict-affected children, many of whom have witnessed severe violence.
“Our education system must accommodate these children, but it is not equipped to handle their specific needs,” he said.
Efforts to integrate such children into regular schools, Wakilbe noted, have largely failed.
“For instance, some of the Chibok girls were enrolled in secondary schools, but the principals reported that they could not handle the unique needs of these children. We had to transfer them to special programs like Second Chance schools,” he explained.
Wakilbe urged donor agencies to align their programs with the immediate and long-term needs of the region.
“Teaching local languages like Hausa in areas where Kanuri is dominant misses the point. We need to prioritize English to help these children adapt to modern education,” he said.
The commissioner commended the state government’s efforts in training over 300 women in vocational skills and providing start-up packs to enable them to become self-reliant. However, he stressed that more needs to be done.
“We need centers to teach skills and provide start-up packs for these girls. With alternatives, they can rebuild their lives,” Wakilbe reiterated.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with development organizations to provide sustainable solutions for the victims of conflict, ensuring they are not left behind in the rebuilding process.Tap Here for the Full Story
