President Muhammadu Buhari declared that his administrations response to the abduction of schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe, by Boko Haram terrorists is better than the response of former President Goodluck Jonathan to a similar incident in Chibok, Borno, four years ago.

The president said this in his address during a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Yobe State on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, to discuss the recent abduction of  the 110 schoolgirls in the state.

While speaking, the president highlighted the efforts his government has made to secure the release of the girls and deemed it better than the response of the previous government to the incident in Chibok.

He said, "The Federal Government's response to the unfortunate abduction of the school girls is a clear departure from the insensitivity of the past administration which looked the other way while the Chibok girls were taken away in 2014 and held in captivity for over 3 years.

"Due to our commitment, over 100 Chibok girls have been rescued and reunited with their families, sent back to school and empowered with requisite skills.

"You may recall that recently, our negotiation efforts led to the release of abducted University of Maiduguri lecturers, some women Police personnel, students and even an NYSC member."

The president also promised that his administration will not rest until all the schoolgirls abducted by the terrorists in Chibok and Dapchi are free from their captives.

"There will be no rest till the last girl, whether from Chibok and Dapchi, is released. The girls, like all our citizens, must enjoy unhindered freedom and pursue their legitimate aspirations.

"The Dapchi and Chibok students are our girls and must enjoy our protection. They must live to achieve their individual ambitions, to be great women of tomorrow. It is our duty to protect them," he said.

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 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.