Just recently, the effects of the menace spread to Asia, Europe and even America with their citizens raising concern over the abduction of more than 200 teenage girls from a secondary school by the dreaded Boko Haram sect in Chibok, a small town in Borno state- the North eastern part of Nigeria. In pursuit of its campaign against western education which it considers abominable, especially among the female folks, the group mindlessly went after the girls.
This unfortunate incident has gone viral
on the internet in the past one month, with several Nigerian and international
dignitaries airing their views about the violation of the human and gender
rights of the girls. The mainstream and social media platforms have also lent
their voice with the #BringBackOurGirls campaigns, which attracted the
attention of all manner of interest groups, including celebrities. Thousands of
concerned Nigerians have taken to the streets like residents of other countries
seeking international help and action.
Many health organizations in and
outside Nigeria, have raised alarm on the health implications of letting the
girls stay longer than they already have. This is because of the physical, social and psychological
health implications associated with kidnapping, especially for a group of vulnerable
young girls. These young girls have since been exposed to harsh weather
conditions, and other physical dangers, which include the possibility of:
- Rape
- Unplanned pregnancy
- HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
- Unsafe abortion
- Early Motherhood
- Visco Vaginal Fistula
- Recto Vaginal Fistula
- Shock
- Psychological Trauma
- Hallucinations
- Bed Wetting
- Nightmares
- Genophobia
- Sexual dysfunction
- Low self esteem
- Low self gratification
- Violent behaviours
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Pelvic Inflammatory diseases (PID)
- Unwanted Media exposure
- Pneumonia
- Extreme introverted behaviours
- Exposure to reptiles such as snakes and other creeping animals
- Poor personal hygiene
- Harsh weather conditions
- Starvation
- Insecurity
- Dehydration
- Malaria
- Typhoid
- Meningitis
- Tuberculosis
- Social stigmatisation
- Poor mental health
- Loss of the feeling of patriotism
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Prolonged unhappiness
- Panic attacks
- Poor health condition as a result of prolonged untreated illnesses
It should be noted that all these and
many more unmentioned health conditions could arise as a result of not taking
care of these girls and the absence of a doctor’s attention. The Chibok girls
have been through so much and will be in need of proper medical attention,
therapy and counselling once they are released. They are young girls; young
minds that must be saved from the definite trauma associated with what they
have been through, and all must be ready to get this done. Their human rights
have been violated and their gender sensitivity has been scarred.
Therefore the doctors, counsellors,
psychologists and all persons who work with Nigerian youths must get ready for
the task ahead. All those playing the politics of “bringing back our girls”
must be ready to do all that is required to help them, when they are brought
back. It is not about wearing red t-shirts and inviting media to cover your
protest that is involved here. It is what comes after that that matters most.
This is inhumane on the part of this militant sect. The menace of Boko Haram must be stopped and justice would prevail.
ReplyDeleteThis is really wickedness and a violation of their human rights. #BringBackOurGirls now and alive
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