Abducted Chibok girls ‘may be released after Boko Haram truce’
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A Boko Haram video showing the girls soon after their adbuction
A truce has reportedly been agreed between Boko Haram and the government of Nigeria that may see the abducted girls of Chibok being released.
Nigerianchief of defence staff Alex Badeh announced the truce and members of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign tweeted: 鶹APPWe are monitoring the news with huge expectations.鶹APP But there has been no statement from Boko Haram.
The 219 schoolgirls have been held captive for since they were taken at gunpoint from their school in northeast Nigeria. Their kidnappingprompted the global #BringBackOurGirls campaign, supported by A World at School.
The campaign saw a global outcry by young people, faith leaders, NGOs and the United Nations, including the . It prompted the development of the by the government of Nigeria in collaboration with the and A World at School.
Mr Brown, who has visited Nigeria and worked for the release of the girls, said: 鶹APPWe remain desperately concerned about the Chibok girls who, after six months of captivity, must be freed soon.
鶹APPThe good news is that we have been told they are safe but we cannot rest satisfied until all are able to return to their homes and their families.鶹APP
News of the possible release of the girls came in a message sent by Mr Badeh to other service chiefs, asking them 鶹APPto comply with the ceasefire agreement between Nigeria and Boko Haram in all theatres of operations鶹APP.
, reportinga close advisor to Nigerian President President Goodluck Jonathan and a man purporting to be the Secretary-General of Boko Haram confirming that negotiations have been taking place.
According to their source 鶹APP whose identity cannot be verified 鶹APP the girls are 鶹APPin good condition and unharmed鶹APP.
BREAKING: 鶹APPs government, agree to cease-fire; no word yet on release of kidnapped schoolgirls 鶹APP
鶹APP Voice of America (@VOA_News)
This tweet from BBC presenter Audrey Brown quotes Nigerian Ambassador Tukur as saying the girls may be released as early as next week:
The girls may be free next week. ambassador Hassan on on Africa at 15g. Hold the ululations but hope
鶹APP Audrey Brown (@BBC_AudreyB)
that Mr Tukur said the agreement was sealed after a month of negotiations, mediated by Chad. Mr Tukur said Boko Haram had announced a unilateral ceasefire yesterday and added: 鶹APPThey鶹APPve assured us they have the girls and they will release them. I am cautiously optimistic.鶹APP
The ceasefire has been reported by the Nigerian newspapers Իas well as the international news agency Reuters, which quotes an unamed source as saying the Nigerian government has agreed two truces with Boko Haram 鶹APP one 鶹APPa ceasefire agreement and then the release of the abducted Chibok girls鶹APP.
as saying 鶹APPA ceasefire agreement has been concluded between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Jama鶹APPatu Ahlis Sunna Lidda鶹APPawati wal-Jihad (Boko Haram). I have accordingly directed the service chiefs to ensure immediate compliance with this development in the field.鶹APP
However, it also strikes a note of caution, quoting one commentator, who has previously been involved in negotiations with Boko Haram, as saying he had 鶹APPnever heard of鶹APP the man claiming to represent Boko Haram in the negotiations.
You can show your unity with the Chibok girls and call for safe schools for all children around the world by .