Bring Back Our Girls: The Heart-Stopping Story of the Rescue of Nigeria's Missing Schoolgirls

The #BringBackOurGirls campaign was launched in 2014 by an American hip-hop producer to demand the release of 276 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram. The campaign gained millions of followers, including world leaders, and led to military intervention but failed to rescue the girls. They were forced to take survival into their own hands and became witnesses to unspeakable brutality. Bring Back Our Girls is an urgent and engrossing work of investigative journalism that explores the power of hashtag advocacy and the courage of young women in a conflict fueled by social media.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Swift Press

The 2021 Daily Telegraph Book of the Year, "Bring Back Our Girls" by Fergal Keane, captivated readers from the very beginning. Keane strongly urges everyone to delve into the heart-wrenching testimonies of the Chibok girls who miraculously survived the harrowing ordeal of being abducted by the notorious Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram. In the spring of 2014, an American hip-hop producer unknowingly set off a global storm with a hastily shared tweet that contained a four-word plea: #BringBackOurGirls. This hashtag galvanized millions of people, including renowned figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Pope Francis, David Cameron, Kim Kardashian, and Michelle Obama. Their tweets sparked a wave of would-be rescuers, including American soldiers, drones, Swiss diplomats, spies, and adventurers, who ventured into the obscure conflict in Nigeria, a country that had only begun to embrace the internet. However, when hostage negotiations and military interventions failed, the schoolgirls were left with no choice but to take matters into their own hands. As the days turned into years of captivity, they became witnesses to and often victims of unimaginable brutality, which they documented in secret diaries. Many of the girls, who were Christians, steadfastly refused to succumb to the pressure of converting to the extremist beliefs of their captors.

"Bring Back Our Girls" is a powerful and compelling piece of investigative journalism that spans across four continents, from the remote forests of northern Nigeria to the White House in Washington, D.C.; from safe houses in Khartoum to the luxurious hotel lobbies in the Swiss Alps. It delves into the potential and risks associated with a time when hashtag advocacy plays a significant role in shaping political discourse. At the heart of this story are a group of exceptionally courageous and resourceful young women who have faced unimaginable adversity with unwavering determination.

The Chibok girls' resilience and unwavering faith in their beliefs are truly awe-inspiring. Despite enduring years of captivity, they refused to give up hope and maintain their connection to their families and communities. Their secret diaries provide a glimpse into the depths of their suffering, but also showcase their unwavering spirit and determination to survive. Through their stories, we witness the power of human resilience and the importance of standing up against injustice.

The global response to the #BringBackOurGirls campaign was a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of international cooperation. Millions of people around the world joined forces to demand the release of the schoolgirls, and their voices were heard by governments and organizations worldwide. The involvement of prominent figures like Oprah Winfrey, Pope Francis, and Michelle Obama added significant momentum to the campaign, highlighting the global significance of this issue.

However, the journey to bring the Chibok girls home was not without its challenges. The conflict in Nigeria, where Boko Haram operates, is complex and multifaceted, with various factions and interests at play. The Nigerian government faced criticism for its initial response to the crisis, which was perceived as slow and inadequate. However, efforts were later made to strengthen the security forces and collaborate with international organizations to rescue the girls.

The rescue operation itself was a complex and daring operation, involving a combination of military force and diplomatic negotiations. The involvement of American soldiers and drones played a crucial role in tracking down the kidnappers and rescuing the girls. However, the operation also raised ethical questions about the use of military force and the potential for civilian casualties.

In conclusion, "Bring Back Our Girls" is a powerful and emotional account of the Chibok girls' ordeal and their remarkable journey to freedom. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable adversity. The global response to the campaign highlighted the importance of collective action and international cooperation in addressing global challenges. The story of the Chibok girls continues to inspire and motivate people around the world, and their courage and determination should be an inspiration to all.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800750906