VIDEO
HIGHLIGHT
Log InSign up
How fake news does real harm | Stephanie Busari
SummaryTranscriptChat

How fake news does real harm | Stephanie Busari

Story of Hadiza: A Chibok Girl

Introduction to Hadiza

  • The speaker introduces a girl named Hadiza, who is 20 years old, shy, and has a beautiful smile but suffers from constant pain and will likely need medication for life.
  • Hadiza was kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists on April 14, 2014. She escaped by jumping off the truck carrying her and broke both legs in the process.

The Kidnapping Incident

  • On the day of her kidnapping, she was one of 57 girls who managed to escape by jumping off trucks. This incident gained international attention with figures like Michelle Obama and Malala speaking out.
  • The speaker recounts their experience covering the World Economic Forum in Abuja at that time, emphasizing that the focus shifted entirely to the story of the Chibok girls.

Media Pressure and Government Response

  • Journalists pressured the Nigerian government for answers regarding efforts to rescue the girls; however, they faced resistance and were met with "alternative facts."
  • Some influential Nigerians claimed that the story of the Chibok girls was a hoax despite testimonies from devastated parents who witnessed their daughters being taken.

Aftermath of Kidnapping

  • For two years, little news emerged about the Chibok girls until a video surfaced showing proof of life. The speaker traveled to verify this information with parents.
  • One mother expressed deep anguish upon seeing her daughter in the video, highlighting parental suffering amidst uncertainty.

Negotiations and Ongoing Struggles

  • The video prompted negotiations with Boko Haram as it changed assumptions about the fate of many missing girls; twenty-one were freed in October last year while nearly 200 remain missing.
  • The speaker expresses frustration over missed opportunities for rescue efforts and believes that if these were daughters of powerful individuals, they would have been found sooner.

Impact of Fake News

  • The narrative surrounding fake news is discussed as a significant factor delaying rescue operations.
Channel: TED
Video description

On April 14, 2014, the terrorist organization Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok, Nigeria. Around the world, the crime became epitomized by the slogan #BringBackOurGirls -- but in Nigeria, government officials called the crime a hoax, confusing and delaying any efforts to rescue the girls. In this powerful talk, journalist Stephanie Busari points to the Chibok tragedy to explain the deadly danger of fake news and what we can do to stop it. The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more. Follow TED on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TEDTalks Like TED on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TED Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/TED