The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the entire Church received with delight, relief and optimism the news of the release of 21 of the Chibok girls that we had long been praying for in the last two years.  This was particularly heartening at a time when hope was almost fading about whether these girls would return again.  And while the release of these 21 girls is heartwarming, one hopes that it is an indication that the rest will be released in due course at which time the joy of the entire nation can be full.

We wish to commend the Federal Government and its agencies, especially the security outfit for all the efforts that have produced this outcome.  We congratulate the parents while commiserating with all those who lost their children or relations owing to the dastardly acts of the Boko Haram.

We plead with government not to relent in its efforts to ensure the safe release of the remaining captives in no distant time. It is only natural to expect the parents and families concerned to be anxious and continually disturbed by the continuing captivity of their children with all the uncertainty surrounding it. This is the feeling of people up and down the country.

We urge all to continue to pray for guidance for our security outfit and the government for success and safe return of the girls and also for economic recovery for our country at this time.

We wish our country and its leadership God’s grace, wisdom and guidance at this particular time in its history.

 

 

 

The Ven. Dr Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi

General Secretary, CON

17 October 2016

 

Download PDF  :PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) RELEASE OF 21 CHIBOK GIRLS