‘Statues Also Breathe,’ a film documenting the tale of the abducted students from the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Chibok, Borno state by Boko Haram, has screened in Lagos.Last year, the Nigerian troops76 Chibok schoolgirls had so far escaped, while 107 were released by Boko Haram in 2018.To remember and honour the missing girls 10 years after their abduction, ‘Statues Also Breathe’ was screened on Thursday in Lagos.
Hosted by the SAB Art Foundation and the Chibok Parents Association, the film documents the creation of terracotta sculptures representing each of the 108 missing girls.‘Statues Also Breathe’ also serves as a tribute and a reminder of the girls’ absence and the ongoing struggle of their families and community.
Speaking about ‘Statues Also Breathe’, Jummai said: “If some people saw this video or the documentary, it will make them help some people that are having some issues in other states”. “Even for us the Chibok girls, we are so happy and it helped us because of our education and our family who are still in Chibok, this thing helped them a lot.”Jummai also recalled how she remained strong and undeterred despite the punishment meted upon her for not getting married in Boko Haram’s custody.“After they said we should get married. They will give us some punishment.
“Even I looked at them. How they were living and killing some people, without fearing God, I am thinking I cannot do this. It is better to be punished. But I kept in mind that one day I will have my way.”On her part, Amina, 27, said she wandered in the forest for about a month with her child when she escaped from her abductors.