Joy Bishara and Lydia Pogu, two former pupils of Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno state, who escaped from Boko Haram extremists in 2014, have graduated from Southeastern University in the United States.
On April 14, 2014, Bishara and Pogu were among the 276 Chibok Girls kidnapped by the insurgent organization for the first time.
While being hauled away by the captors, the two managed to escape captivity by jumping off the truck.
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Bishara obtained a social work degree, while Pogu obtained a legal studies degree; both graduated on April 30.
Bishara reflected on their experience and triumph, recalling how she had to choose between dying in an accident and dying at the hands of the insurgents in a matter of seconds.
“I recall praying and thinking about what my mother would do in that situation. I simply remembered hearing the words “leap out” in my thoughts. In any case, I knew I was going to die. Bishara told GMA3, “I chose to die, and that’s how I leaped out.”
“It was amazing, I felt great,” she remarked when asked how she felt on the day of her graduation. I recall being informed that I wouldn’t be able to finish high school because I was stupid. I never gave up or listened to all the naysayers. After being told “you can’t do it,” it was thrilling to walk on that stage.
“Walking on that stage after being told you couldn’t do it was thrilling.”
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Pogu, for one, claimed she had chosen not to return to school following her escape until the US embassy contacted her.
Pogu added, “I’m attempting to obtain my master’s in human services and then going back to law school once I finish my master’s.”
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In February 2017, both girls graduated from Canyonville Christian Academy in Oregon, following which they met with former President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, 112 Chibok girls remain in the hands of Boko Haram.
Source: Sahara Reporters