Research Article
Michael Nnabundo Nwabuzor and
Abstract
The abduction of the over 200 female students of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, Nigeria on the 14th of April, 2014 by the outlawed Boko Haram insurgents; attracted global condemnation which went viral on social media. This is more so as the act is at variance with international norms of freedom and respect for human dignity. Beside this, various articles and resolutions of the United Nations condemn acts of abduction, trafficking in persons and terrorism. Furthermore, the third item of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) seeks to provide equal access to education for the girl child. Equally worrisome is the fact that the male – female school enrolment ratio in Northern Nigeria is grossly uneven in favour of the latter. The problem therefore, is to find ways and means of bringing back the Chibok girls and enable them return to school. The study explores the instrumentality of the social media for mobilizing global response to terrorism and support for the “bring back our girls” campaign. The frustration aggression and the technological determinism theories serve as theoretical framework. Qualitative content textual analysis methodology is adopted for the study. Research design employs the critical discourse analysis as parameter of measurement. Findings reveal that the various campaign texts posted on social media are aimed at mobilizing global support against terror. Results indicate that social media texts are positive about the campaign, but expressed dissatisfaction over slow government effort at securing the release of the girls. The study recommends that alongside the military option, global campaign should be intensified to end terrorist activities and secure the safe release of the abducted girls.