Nigeria's kidnapped girls still missing and government has no idea where they are

On April 14, 2014, 276 Nigerian girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram from their school in the town of Chibok. Since then, some of the girls have escaped. But, more than two hundred remain missing.

And the government is no closer to bringing them home.

We would expect other developed countries and neighbouring countries to join us in finding these girls.- Monsurat Sunmonu

This week, a short "proof of life" video has emerged and been reviewed by the Nigerian government. It shows 15 of the schoolgirls, covered in headscarves.

Each is asked to identify herself and explain that they were taken from the school in Chibok. One girl says they are speaking on Dec. 25, 2015, and pointedly says they are "all well."

It's the first time any of the girls have been seen since Boko Haram released a video in May 2014.

As It Happens guest host Laura Lynch talked with the chair of the Nigerian Senate committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu:

Laura Lynch: So much of what this government was elected to do was about getting these girls and finding these girls, so can you understand why people might be so frustrated that hasn't happened?

Monsurat Sunmonu: No one will be happy in this country or anywhere else in the world … it is just like any other country trying to fight terrorism. You do not complete it in one day, it takes years! But you keep on trying … this is what this present government is trying to do. We tell you that [we're] really trying and putting all [our] resources into [finding the girls] and we would expect other developed countries and neighbouring countries to join us in finding these girls.

It is just like any other country trying to fight terrorism. You do not complete it in one day, it takes years!-Monsurat Sunmonu

LL: Are you saying it's going to take years and years to get these girls?

MS: I mean, we would never pray for that, we are hoping with all effort that  President Muhammadu Buhari is taking … we know that very soon we will be able to find these girls.

LL: "Very soon," what do you mean by that? You just said this could take years, now you're saying "very soon."

MS: If you're trying one thing then you try to add more effort. Even in developed countries, (when) you fight terrorism, you don't just finish it in one day. But you keep on putting in your efforts trying to change your style.

LL: What was your reaction when you saw this latest video?

MS: As a mother, I was not happy at all. No one will be happy.

LL: I can't imagine, especially the parents of these girls will be very happy … I doubt the words you're speaking today are going to give them any comfort either. You seem to have no idea where they are, no idea when they'll be found, how can that possibly give any comfort to those families that are desperate to see their daughters?

MS: It's just like me asking you that if your government is fighting terrorism, do you have any idea when they're going to end it? But at least, you know your government is putting in effort, they're trying their best. I mean, you need to encourage them.

LL: Should the government be negotiating with Boko Haram?

MS: I believe the government knows what is good for them. They know we are all eager to have these girls back.

LL: I'm sorry, can you answer the question, should the government be negotiating with Boko Haram, yes or no?

MS: I will not answer yes or no, but I believe they should be able to talk with them. They should talk to them and make sure (that they know) what we all want is for them to bring these girls back safely.

For more on the government's response and this week's video, take a listen to the full interview.

With files from CBC News