President Muhammadu Buhari has received the 82 Chibok schoolgirls that were recently released by the Boko Haram terrorists at the Presidential Villa.

President’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, revealed that after meeting with the girls, President Buhari immediately proceed to the United Kingdom for a medical follow-up.

Adesina said President Buhari had planned to leave Sunday afternoon, but decided to tarry a bit, due to the arrival of 82 Chibok girls who arrived Abuja earlier in the day.

He said the President assured all Nigerians that there was no cause for worry, saying he was very grateful for the prayers and good wishes of the people, and hoped they would continue to pray for the peace and unity of the nation.

According to him, the length of the President’s stay in London would be determined by the doctors, saying Government would continue to function normally under the able leadership of the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Adesina said the President had transmitted letters about the trip to the Senate and the House of Representatives, in compliance with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

The freed Chibok girls were brought in two military buses to Aso Rock, after they were earlier received in Abuja by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.

They were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents from the Government Secondary School in Chibok, a community in Borno State in April 2014.

Red Cross Confirms Role In Chibok Girls Release

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has confirmed its role in the release of the 82 Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram militants since April 14, 2014.

The body revealed in a statement on Sunday that it only acted as an intermediary between the Boko Haram and the Nigerian Government.

It added that its vehicles were used to transport the freed girls to Nigerian officials at Banki town in Borno State, North-East Nigeria.

Arewa Consultative Forum has hailed the efforts of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Military over the 82 Chibok girls released by the Boko Haram sect.

National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Muhammadu Ibrahim, said the efforts of the government, particularly the Nigerian military in successfully effecting the release of the girls, were quite “commendable.”

European Union has expressed delight over the release of 82 Chibok schoolgirls.

High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the EU Commission, Federica Mogherini, said it would continue to support the Federal Government in the fight against terrorism.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed delight at the release of the 82 of the Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents more than three years ago.

UNICEF Nigeria Acting Representative Pernille Ironside said “it is heartening to know that the girls will be returning to their families who have been waiting for this day.

Ironside said UNICEF commended the Federal Government for this important achievement in helping to protect children impacted by the conflict in northeast Nigeria.

Bring Back Our Girls Group (BBOG) on Sunday applauded the Federal Government and security agencies on the release of the 82 Chibok girls.

The commendation came from the Convener of the group, Oby Ezekwesili saying the group members were delighted by the good news which followed the release of 21 girls in October 2016.

The Presidency has released the full list of the Chibok schoolgirls who regained freedom from Boko Haram captive, over three years after they were abducted.

Kwana Simon, Grace Dauda, Jummai Paul, Tobita Pogo, Yanke Shetima, Jumai Miutah, Juliana Yakubu, Mary Yakubu, Ruth Kolo, Mairawa Yahaya, Racheal Nkeke, Fibi Haruna, Asaba Manu, Esther Usman, Filo Dauda, Awa Abga, Lydia Joshua, Naomi Bitrus, Martha James, Falmata Musa, Aisha Ezekiel, Awa Yerima, Mwada Baba, Hannatu Ishaku, Mwa Daniel, Rifkatu Soloman, Maryamu Yakubu, Rebecca Joshep, Laid Audu, Amina Pogu among others.