TODAY MARKS THE 100th day since more than 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped in Nigeria – and there is no indication yet of when or if they will be returned by Boko Haram.
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan met with the parents of the girls – and some of those who escaped for the very first time today.
So, what has been happening over the past three months?
On 14 April, 276 girls were abducted from the Chibok region of the country. The case attracted worldwide attention and an international relief effort.
Some of the girls managed to escape but there are still 219 in captivity.
The youngest victim is 12 and the oldest 17 years old. On the fateful day, members of the terrorist group entered the boarding school, rounded up the students from their dormitories and forced them onto trucks which were driven into the dense bush.
The following month, on 5 May, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau released a video taking responsibility for the abduction. He said that he would sell the girls as slaves or child brides.
A social media campaign with a hashtag #BringBackOurGirls was started with Michelle Obama joining on 7 May.
The diplomatic reaction continued through the month, with comments from Amnesty International and condemnations from the UN Security Council.
Britain, France and the US, as well as China and Israel, help in the search. The US says it is using drones as part of the surveillance.
On 12 May, another Boko Haram video is released. This time, the group claims the girls have been converted to Islam and will not be released until a number of militant prisoners are freed.
Cameroon President Paul Biya issued a declaration of war on Boko Haram on 17 May following a meeting in Paris between his country, Nigeria, Benin, Chad and Niger.
However, the parents of the girls have still had little or no contact with authorities.
On 7 June, local residents say that another 20 young mothers have been abducted.
During a World Cup game on 18 June, 21 people perished in a Boko Haram bomb attack at a viewing centre.
The following week, another wave of violence as 68 girls and women abducted on 24 June and 21 killed in a shopping centre explosion the next day.
July has brought much silence for the victims and families until last week when Goodluck Jonathan said he would meet the relatives of the hostages. He extended the invite after coming under pressure from activist Malala Yousafzai.
However, the families rejected the offer because it was not extended to all relatives.
The talks were eventually held today in Abuja with the girls who escaped also in attendance.
“It was a very peaceful and loving meeting. No arguments,” said Ayuba Chibok, who has nieces among the hostages.
Jonathan “said he would use every capability for the girls to come back… For me, I want to wait to see if there is improvement,” Chibok added. “I want to see action.”
According to one AFP reporter, the meeting was emotionally charged with some bursting into tears when they entered the room.
Additional reporting by AFP
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