What’s the situation report as we speak?
It has not been easy for us parents at all. Since last night, it has been raining; the children are under the rain; inside the cold. We, the parents have paid N60million, and yet these people have refused to release our money. We have paid so much money and yet the Kaduna State CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria) Chairman, Mr. John Hayab, was saying on Liberty Radio this morning blaming government and saying that they can’t pay ransom, and that it’s only food they sent to the bandits. He couldn’t even tell the world that the parents put together and paid N60million. Even if he wanted to say that Baptist as a religious denomination does not pay ransom, he should at least tell the world the efforts the parents have made, so that it doesn’t look like we’re just folding our hands. I expected him as a man of God to tell the truth, rather than telling lies. The way it is, what he was saying is to our detriment. We have sold all our belongings. Right now, we don’t have anything. We are broke; and we understand that the kidnappers want to start demanding for another ransom. Where do we get the money from? Who will help us out?
We understand that parents contributed N500,000 each
You know all fingers are not equal. Some parents contributed N150,000, some paid N250,000; some paid N500,000; some paid N700,000; and some paid N1million and N1.5million to cover up for other parents, so that we could at least get the children released. And at the end of the day, they only released a few of the children.
We learnt they only released 28 out of 121.
Yes, the rest are still in their custody and nobody to help us. Even my own child is still out there with them.
It’s almost four weeks; how have you coped with the situation?
We are highly devastated. In fact, we don’t even have anything to eat because we have sold all our things. Even my wife, she’s so devastated; she cannot even get up as we speak. Some parents are in the hospital; some have come down with high BP…
What are the things you sold?
Some of us sold plots of land; some cars, TV, radio and all sorts of gadgets and belongings. Some went borrowing without any hope of how they’re going to pay back. People are desperate, so they are doing anything just to raise the money.
Your current experience would have made you understand what the Chibok parents, whose children are still in captivity, have been going through.
Exactly. We used to hear it like tales from afar, but now, we understand. They say he who feels it knows it; he who wears the shoes knows where it pinches. I can tell you, it is devastating.
How is the authorities of the school responding; any positive feedback?
All the responsibility has been shifted on the parents. They are maintaining that they don’t pay ransom. We had a meeting yesterday, where the Conference president told us they have done their best; which means we are left at the mercy of God.
Have they reached out to the government?
I don’t think so. Even Gumi, the acclaimed negotiator, they have not reached out to. One would expect them as parents and people from whose custody our children were taken away, not to leave any stone unturned. All they are saying is that they don’t pay ransom.
The children released, did they look healthy? Like they were taking good care of them?
Most of them were weak and devoid of energy. The parents even had to back some, as they could not stand on their feet or walk.
