Students of Government Day Secondary School, Galadanchi, Dutse, have expressed joy and relief over the release of Walida Abdulhadi.

Her release was facilitated by the Jigawa State governor, Umar Namadi.

The students, alongside a civil society group, called on both the federal and state governments to ensure that justice prevails for Walida and her family.

Speaking during an interactive session with students, Nafisa Halliru Haruna, Founder and Coordinator of the Adolescent Education and Empowerment Initiative, said the engagement was organised to give young people an opportunity to understand the issues surrounding Walida’s ordeal and express their views.

According to her, discussions about sensitive matters such as abduction, sexual abuse, and forced religious conversion are often limited to adults, leaving out the voices of adolescents who are directly affected.

Haruna explained that Walida, who was reportedly abducted as a minor just three months shy of her 16th birthday, had been missing for over two years and seven months.

She alleged that during that period, Walida was impregnated, gave birth outside wedlock against her will, and was converted from Islam to Christianity by her alleged abductor.

She added that the prolonged absence subjected Walida’s family to severe emotional trauma.

The civil society advocate noted that despite a court order reportedly secured months ago by Barrister Kadiru Adamu, the release process was described as rigorous and challenging.

She commended the Jigawa State Government for responding to public outcry and intervening to secure Walida’s return.

Students who participated in the session expressed gratitude to Governor Namadi for what they described as a timely intervention.

Nana Khadija, a member of the Adolescent Education and Empowerment Initiative, thanked the government for bringing Walida back home and appealed for the thorough prosecution of those allegedly responsible for her ordeal.

Another student, Firdaus Yusuf, conveyed a message of solidarity, saying, “We love you, Walida. Come back home so you can return to school,” reflecting the students’ desire to see their peer reintegrated into the academic community.

The students collectively called on authorities at both state and federal levels to ensure that the case is pursued to its logical conclusion, insisting that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law. (Daily Trust)

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