11-Year-Old Rescued from Boko Haram with Three Children Highlights Urgent Need for Support
At just 11 years old, Fatima (name changed) has endured unimaginable trauma. Rescued from a Boko Haram enclave, she arrived with three children, embodying the harrowing plight of countless young girls caught in the insurgency. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, described her story as a heartbreaking reflection of the ongoing crisis in conflict-ridden areas.
“She’s a child herself, yet burdened with the responsibilities of motherhood. This tragic reality underscores the urgent need for interventions to support these victims,” Wakilbe said, addressing reporters in Maiduguri. He revealed that many girls, aged 13 to 15, return from captivity with children and face severe poverty and stigmatization.
To combat these challenges, the Commissioner advocated for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers in affected regions like Bama, Banki, and Gwoza. “Traditional education systems cannot meet the needs of conflict-affected children. Tailored rehabilitation programs are vital for reintegration,” Wakilbe emphasized.
Despite efforts like the Second Chance School, which has graduated over 300 women with vocational skills, underage mothers like Fatima remain among the most vulnerable. Many resort to desperate measures, including prostitution, to survive.
During a visit from Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin, CEO of the Allamin Foundation for Peace, the Commissioner called for collaborative efforts. Allamin shared her foundation’s success in building vocational education centers and running community awareness programs to combat stigma. However, she stressed that sustainable solutions require active engagement from local authorities and international organizations.
“The trauma and stigma faced by these girls go beyond personal struggles,” Allamin explained. “Our programs focus on tailored rehabilitation and fostering community acceptance, but the magnitude of the problem demands broader action.”
The returnees face immense societal rejection, often described as living in “hell” due to the stigma surrounding their captivity. Many victims experience verbal and physical abuse, further isolating them and forcing them into precarious survival strategies.
Wakilbe reiterated the urgency of addressing economic hardships, providing foundational education, and creating long-term solutions for reintegration. “Without sustained efforts, we are failing these children and young mothers,” he warned.
The plight of victims like Fatima remains a stark reminder of the far-reaching impacts of insurgency and the critical need for immediate and strategic intervention.
