Video of Kidnapped Chibok Schoolgirls Gives Christian Parents Hope: 'I Give God Glory She's Alive'

By Leah Marieann Klett
Nigeria
A still image from a video posted by Nigerian Islamist militant group Boko Haram on social media, seen by Reuters on August 14, 2016, shows a masked man talking to dozens of girls the group said are school girls kidnapped in the town of Chibok in 2014.  Social Media

The parents of one of the Christian Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria are giving thanks to "God Almighty" after their daughter appeared in a new video released by Islamic terror group over the weekend.

"Seeing my baby standing with a terror[ist] with ... ammunition around his neck is not easy for a mother," Esther Yakubu, whose daughter, Maida, was among 270 schoolgirls kidnapped two years ago, told CNN. "But I also give thanks to God almighty. They say most of the girls are dead but mine is alive."

BBC News noted that 50 girls were shown in the video released on Sunday, with a Boko Haram gunman revealing that some of the girls died during air strikes against the militants. 

Wearing a faded black abaya and patterned headscarf, Esther's 18-year-old daughter looks down as a militant armed with a gun instructs her to speak: "We are not happy living here," Maida tells the camera.

Behind her, fellow schoolgirls in floor-length robes watch blankly as she urges their parents to press the Nigerian government to free terrorist fighters in exchange for their release.

"I'm begging our parents to meet the government to release their people so that we can be released," Maida says before revealing that 40 of the girls have been "married" to Islamic fighters.

While the future of their daughter remains uncertain, Esther and her husband Yakubu Kabu remain hopeful, as the video is the first proof that Maida is alive since she was taken from her school in 2014.

"When I saw that video, I am very sad because this is my baby standing there with someone holding a gun," says Yakubu. "All of us we start crying.

"I give God the glory that she's alive. This video gives us hope that our daughter can be rescued."

The family added that its unwavering Christian belief has kept it going through the darkest times, revealing that they pray together every morning and every midnight that their daughter will make it home safely.

"I'm very, very happy," says Yakubu, having seen the video. "Because as long as she's alive, we will see her one day."

The kidnapping of the schoolgirls sparked international outrage and put pressure on the Nigerian government to do everything it can to secure their release.

The Ministry of Information of Culture said in a statement that the government is now "in touch" with Boko Haram and "working for the girls' release."

"We are being extremely careful because the situation has been compounded by the split in the leadership of Boko Haram," added Alhaji Lai Mohammed, minister of Information of Culture, referring to recent news of division within the Islamic-State affiliated terror group.

Back in May, a 19-year-old girl and a 4-month-old baby were found at the edge of the Sambisa Forest, one of Boko Haram's hideouts, and was identified as the first Chibok girl to be rescued from the terrorists. The video is the first to be seen since CNN obtained footage in April purportedly showing 15 of the girls.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories