Chibok Girls @10: Truth Alliance calls for concerted efforts, vows to expose Boko Haram lies

•Launches a three-part audio series exposing the terror group

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Truth Alliance,  an alliance of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society groups, have called for confirmed efforts in combating terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism to avoid a repeat of the kidnapping of Chibok Girls 10 years after the dastardly act perpetrated by Boko Haram terrorists.

This call was made in a statement issued recently by Ahmed Mustapha in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Chibok Girls kidnap. He said that the alliance of these NGOs and CSOs have united under the banner of ‘Time to Tell the Truth’ to shed light on the harsh realities of life inside these extremist groups. 

According to Mustapha, the aim is to expose the lies and deceptions they employ to lure individuals into joining their ranks and carrying out their agenda of destruction.

Ten years ago, he stated,  the world was shocked by the abduction of over 270 innocent girls from Chibok by the terrorist group Boko Haram. While some have managed to escape and others have been returned, many remain missing, their fate unknown.

Part of the statement read: “In the decade since this tragic event, numerous violent extremist groups have continued to perpetrate acts of terror, wreaking havoc and causing untold suffering among countless innocent Nigerians. These groups thrive on spreading fear, death, and destruction, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.

“On this solemn 10th anniversary, we stand together to remind the authorities and all relevant stakeholders that the abduction of the Chibok girls remains a poignant chapter in our national history—a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by violent extremist groups. It serves as a solemn call to action to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.”

“Beyond the Chibok girls themselves, we recognize that there are “Chibok Girls” in every community—girl-children who, against all odds, strive to pursue education and a better future. Their resilience embodies the spirit of hope amidst adversity, and it is our collective responsibility to safeguard their right to education and security.

“We invite all Nigerians to join our campaign and stand against the suffering inflicted by violent extremist groups. Together, we can save lives, protect our communities, and uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and unity.”

The three-part audio series 

In a related development, the newly formed coalition has released a gripping three-part audio series called “Unveiling the Truth of Boko Haram” to coincide with the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the kidnapping of the Chibok Girls in Northeast, Nigeria. 

The group’s representative, Ahmed Mustapha, reminded that Boko Haram’s presence in Nigeria has had a far-reaching impact on the peace and stability of the region, leading to the destruction of families and communities, leaving many people to reside in IDP camps. 

He stressed that “each person has their own story to tell of the way they were manipulated to join and how once in, their lives, and those of their families, were destroyed as a result. Others tell the story of how they became innocent victims of Boko Haram’s destructive path.”

Mustapha said that through this evocative series, each story reveals the truth behind the way each was manipulated, lied to and impacted, telling others not to fall into their trap.

Each story, he stressed,  delves into the harrowing experiences of those affected by Boko Haram’s atrocities, including Islamic clerics seen from the perspective of those who were once involved or impacted by Boko Haram. Among the stories featured is that of Bukar Bukar, a survivor who, in 2015, fell victim to the brutality of armed assailants and now resides in an IDP camp.

Told exclusively in this series Bukar Bukar says that following the initial attack on their village: 

“The northern part of our village is a bush and Boko Haram came through it to have a battle with the military until the next morning, when they arrested some of our youth. Ever since then, I said that we were not going to do any farming activity because members of Boko Haram were killed. Boko Haram are like Camels; they don’t forget things that are done to them easily. 1000 military personnel were sent to us but after a while, they became a little less than 100”.

Other stories in the series will include that of Modu Mustapha, a farmer and father of seven children who escaped Boko Haram twice.

Shown exclusively on the Truth Alliance’s YouTube channel and across various social media platforms, audiences worldwide are invited to bear witness to the untold truths of life inside and outside Boko Haram in Nigeria. 

About Truth Alliance

The Truth Alliance is committed to unmasking the truth behind violent and extremist groups and empowering communities to resist tyranny and violence. Through education, outreach, and collaboration, the Truth Alliance strives to build a safer, more resilient society for all.

In a campaign tagged ‘Time to Tell the Truth’, the Truth Alliance has come together to expose the truth behind how violent extremist groups draw young people into their ranks. Their message is simple: These groups manipulate, deceive, Control, kill, kidnap, they destroy, and their movement, as well as ideology, is inherently weak.