Nigeria’s secret Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), has handed over the recently released 82 Chibok schoolgirls to the Ministry of Women Affairs for rehabilitation.
The girls had been kept in the custody of the DSS following their release by Boko Haram terrorists. It was gathered that while in DSS custody, the girls were made to undergo psycho-medical test and treatment to stabilise them from the trauma of being held hostage by the sect.
A source in the Service hinted that the girls were also debriefed and counselled to allow for easy reintegration into the society. He disclosed that some of the girls released last October by the sect after rigorous negotiations, were similarly kept in the custody of the agency for the same purpose before they travelled to Maiduguri for the Christmas celebration with their parents and guardians.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Jumai Alhassan who received the girls on behalf of the Federal Government disclosed that the process of further rehabilitation put in place by the Ministry will last till September.
She however assured that since the girls were being kept at their own volition, they would be released at any point in time if the parents of the girls or guardian indicate interest to withdraw them.
According to her "They are staying here willingly and if anyone of them wants to go home today, all we need to do is to notify the parent"
Emerging reports so far indicate that the DSS might be the lead agency in the clamour for the release and rehabilitation of the abducted Chibok girls. The report further suggests that further negotiation may have commenced for the release of more abductees.
