Former Chibok schoolgirl asks for help in rescuing her missing schoolmates

One of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls who was able to escape Boko Haram has appealed for help in bringing back the other girls who remained in the hands of the militants.

The group of 276 female students were kidnapped in April last year by Boko Haram.

Two of the girls escaped the group by jumping out of a moving truck while they were being transported. They hid in a bush until they were rescued the next day and brought to safety.

One of the escapees, who uses the pseudonym "Saa" to protect her family in Nigeria, is now in the United States to continue her studies through the help of a non-profit organisation.

According to the National Journal, Saa delivered a speech on Wednesday in front of the US Capitol to commemorate a year since the schoolgirls were kidnapped by Boko Haram.

In her speech, Saa described her plight at the hands of Boko Haram and how coming to America reminded her of her classmates who remain captive of the Nigerian Islamist group.

"When I came to America, I came to Washington D.C. and found a story that American people say: Give me liberty or give me death. When I heard that, I remembered the time I decided to jump out of the truck, that I'd rather die," Saa said.

The former Boko Haram captive told the gathered audience that while she is now free in the United States and able to continue her studies, most of her classmates are not fortunate enough to enjoy the same freedom.

She is calling for help from the international community for the immediate rescue of her captive classmates. 

"I'm pleading everybody all over the world. And I'm pleading the international community to do all our best and try to brings those girls back to school," Saa implored during her speech.

"We really want them now. Not tomorrow. Not day after tomorrow, not next year. We want them now to come back to school," she added.

News
The little-known prayers written by Jane Austen
The little-known prayers written by Jane Austen

It is now 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen whose books and their many screen adaptations are beloved around the world. Not many people know that she was a devout Christian who also wrote devotional prayers. This is the story …

The Anglican worldview of Jane Austen’s life and novels
The Anglican worldview of Jane Austen’s life and novels

16 December 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of novelist Jane Austen, who was born in southern England in 1775. Her novels are steeped in biblical analogy and practical theology. This is the story…

Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds

Churches across the UK are expecting fuller pews this Christmas, as new research suggests a significant rise in the number of people planning to attend services and church-run events over the festive season.

ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial
ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial

The Board of Inquiry issued a short statement on Friday stating that there was “probable cause to present” ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood “for trial for violation of Canon 2 of this Title.”