Widowed Jennifer’s mother had more courage than anyone – Rep Maren
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Member representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Solomon Maren, says Mrs. Naomi Samuel, the widowed mother of just freed Boko Haram hostage, Jennifer Ukambong Samuel showed “rare steadfastness” during her daughter’s captivity.
She had “more courage and faith than any of us, praying ceaselessly for her release,” said the Rep Member on Thursday.
Jennifer was abducted with four others along Monguno-Maiduguri road on December 22, 2019 by Boko Haram, the day she was marking the 21st anniversary of her dear father’s demise.
All five were freed through the intervention of the DSS on Wednesday.
“My joy and that of Jennifer’s family’s knows no bounds,” Maren said in a press statement.
He saluted the “rare courage and bravery” of Nigerian securities to protect the Nation from “evil men”.
He equally saluted the media, local and international non governmental organizations, the Church and all those who stood in the struggle their release.
Maren however appealed that the same energy be deployed to the rescue of others still being held hostage.
“Top among them is our dear Lilian Gyang, a 100Level student of the University of Maiduguri, from Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State, abducted on January 9, 2020.
“Abdulhamid Bashir who also hails from Plateau, Leah Sharibu, Grace Taku and among others, the remaining Chibok schoolgirls also remain a huge concern. Government should intensify efforts to bring smiles on the faces of their families too,” he said.
The lawmaker further called Government to upgrade the capacity of the nation’s security outfits to detect and halt crime before it is executed.
In his words, “The world has gone digital. We cannot afford to lag behind. We must employ artificial intelligence, upgrade the equipment used by our troops and ensure adequate motivation for them to effectively fight terrorism and other violent crimes.
“The activities of saboteurs who consistently divert funds meant for their welfare and equipment, and/or leak operational secrets of our troops, thus exposing them to danger in the discharge of their duties must be dutifully checked as the nation marks the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.”
