President Muhammadu Buhari broke down and cried when he met with parents of the 110 schoolgirls that were recently abducted by Boko Haram terrorists in Dapchi, Yobe on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.
This was disclosed by the president's Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, while speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, March 15.
Shehu claimed that when the president met with the parents at the Government Girls Science and Technology College, the scene of the abduction, the atmosphere was so emotive that the president cried.
He said, "When he arrived there into the hall, everyone was there and the leader of the parents of the missing girls spoke - it was a very emotive environment.
"In fact, he (President Buhari) couldn't read through his speech because he broke down and cried and almost everyone in the hall began to cry.
"The president spoke and I think he gave out a lot of hope to them and got cheers out of the hall which is to say he has raised their aspirations and hope that these girls will be brought back."
During his appearance on Thursday, Shehu also noted that the president's visit to Dapchi is a display of "marked statesmanship and courage".
While the president was in the state on Wednesday, he assured the Dapchi parents that the abducted girls will be brought back safely.
He said, "I have read the full report of what happened in Dapchi. As I received the report, I was saddened and I am praying that God will continue to console you.
"Boko Haram was in control of many local councils in Borno and some parts of Yobe State before we came. Now it has resorted to using young girls for suicide missions in mosques, churches and motor parks.
"We will not spare their members. We will ensure that Boko Haram meets its waterloo. By the will of God, I have directed the police and reinforced them, and the army and air force to keep searching until the children are returned alive."
Dapchi abduction
Boko Haram militants invaded Government Girls Science and Technical Secondary School in Dapchi, Bursari local government area of Yobe on Monday, February 19, 2018, and abducted 110 schoolgirls.
According to accounts by residents, the terrorists invaded the town around 7 pm in over 18 gun trucks mounted with high caliber weapons.
The abduction was a repeat of another Boko Haram attack that happened when militants invaded Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State and kidnapped 276 female students in April 2014.
After several escapes and releases, 112 of the girls remain in captivity of the deadly terrorist group.