Amosun pleads for release of Chibok schoolgirls

Gov Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State on Tuesday appealed to the abductors of the Chibok schoolgirls to release and return them to their parents. Amosun made the appeal at a programme organised to mark Children’s Day celebration on Tuesday in Abeokuta. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that celebration was tagged: “Prayerful Children’s Day” The governor reiterated that violence had never achieved a desired goal. According to him, nothing can ever be resolved by killing innocent souls and violence does not correlate with the doctrine of any religion. “We have set aside today to pray for the over 200 girls that were abducted 43 days ago. “We have decided that today will not be for fanfare hence we thank God that we are here today to offer our prayers. “We cannot be celebrating knowing those girls are away from their parents; only God knows what is happening to them.” The governor admonished the children not to indulge in acts that would cast aspersions on their morals. He assured them of their security, safety and welfare and thanked the international community, organisations and security personnel for their concern and assistance on the issue. Also addressing the children, the Governor’s Wife, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, said that solemn and prayerful celebration was to identify with the abducted girls. Amosun expressed optimism that the children would return to their parents. NAN reports that children from the 20 local government areas of the state offered prayers in Islamic and Christian religion.