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Twelve years after the abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) has expressed deep concern over declining attention to one of Nigeria’s most tragic security incidents, warning that the crisis now symbolizes neglect and fading global urgency.
In a statement marking the anniversary of the Chibok schoolgirls abduction, the Foundation called for renewed accountability from both national and international stakeholders, stressing that the situation remains unresolved more than a decade later.
According to MMF’s latest report, 89 of the abducted girls are still unaccounted for. While 187 have either escaped or been rescued since April 14, 2014, the Foundation noted the troubling reality that no confirmed recovery has been recorded in the past year. Additionally, over 40 children born in captivity have since returned with their mothers, highlighting the prolonged human toll of the tragedy.
Chief Executive Officer of MMF, Aisha Muhammed Oyebode, described Chibok as having evolved beyond a single event into a symbol of systemic failure.
“Chibok has become more than a place or a moment in time,” she said. “It is now a metaphor for neglect—of responsibility, of accountability, and of our collective empathy for those who continue to live with the consequences of this tragedy.”
The Foundation warned that what once sparked global outrage has gradually faded from the forefront of international concern, reflecting a broader failure to sustain attention and fulfill commitments made in the aftermath.
MMF further noted that recurring abductions of schoolchildren across Nigeria have intensified fear among families and weakened confidence in the safety of education, particularly for girls.
Calling for urgent action, the Foundation urged the Federal Government to intensify search and rescue efforts while ensuring transparency in its response. It also appealed to the United Nations and the global community to renew coordinated support aimed at protecting children and securing education in conflict-affected regions.
Beyond those still missing, MMF emphasized the long-term impact on survivors, families, and communities, many of whom continue to grapple with trauma, disrupted education, and uncertain futures.
“Chibok must not be remembered only as a tragedy,” Oyebode added. “It must remain a call to action. Until every missing girl is accounted for, this responsibility remains unfinished.”
The report is accompanied by a photographic exhibition from Stolen Daughters of Chibok, offering a poignant visual narrative of the human stories behind the headlines.