Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remains the most painful scar of his administration, according to a report by Vanguard on Friday, October 3, 2025.
He stated that it is a tragedy that will remain with him for life.
Jonathan spoke in Abuja during the presentation of a book written by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.
He explained that his government tried several approaches to stop Boko Haram, including dialogue.
According to him, during one of the efforts, Boko Haram nominated Muhammadu Buhari, who later became president, to represent them in negotiations with the government.
He described the nomination as an unusual request that showed the complexity of the crisis.
He said he had believed that peace could have been possible if dialogue had worked at that stage.
However, the insurgency continued even after Buhari assumed office in 2015.
The former president noted that Boko Haram was unlike other security challenges Nigeria had faced.
He recalled that militancy in the Niger Delta was ended through dialogue and amnesty, but Boko Haram resisted such measures.
He explained that the insurgency involved many hidden factors, including external support and supply of weapons.
Jonathan stressed again that the abduction of the Chibok girls would always remain his deepest regret.
He said no matter how history remembers his government, the tragedy of the girls will stay with him forever.
“One major scars on my government is Chibok girls. Boko Haram once nominated Buhari as negotiator,” he said. See, More, Here>>>>
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