Our Correspondents
The federal government, Bring Back Our
Girls (BBOG) group and Nigerians from all walks of life yesterday were
in a celebratory mood, following the release of 21 girls who were
kidnapped from their secondary school in Chibok, Borno State more than
two years ago in a cash-for-girls exchange deal.
Although the Minister of Information and
Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, dismissed initial reports yesterday that
the girls were released in a prisoner swap deal, reliable sources in the
presidency informed THISDAY that the girls were released yesterday
morning after an undisclosed amount of money was paid to the Boko Haram
leaders.
When THISDAY confronted Mohammed with
the information on the cash that was paid to secure the release of the
girls, he also denied it, saying his information was coming from the
“very top”.
The 21 girls, who emerged from
captivity, were some of the 276 girls abducted by the terror sect on
April 14, 2014 from their school dormitory, sparking global outrage and
the demand for their release by world leaders including U.S. First Lady,
Michele Obama.
Of the 276 girls kidnapped on that
fateful night, 57 immediately escaped from captivity while 219 were held
captive for two years, until one of the girls, Amina Ali Nkeli, escaped
last May with her baby who was conceived and born in captivity and one
of her abductors, whom she called her husband.
With the release of 21 girls thursday,
197 remain in captivity with a promise by the Vice-President Yemi
Osinbajo thursday that more of the girls would be released in the next
few days or months.
The president’s media aide, Garba Shehu,
gave the names of the freed girls as: Mary Usman Bulama, Jummai John,
Blessing Abana, Lugwa Sanda, Comfort Habila, Maryam Basheer, Comfort
Amos, Glory Mainta, Saratu Emannuel, Deborah Ja’afaru and Rahab Ibrahim.
Others included Helen Musa, Maryamu
Lawan, Rebecca Ibrahim, Asabe Goni, Deborah Andrawus, Agnes Gapani,
Saratu Markus, Glory Dama, Pindah Nuhu and Rebecca Mallam.
One of the 21 girls, who all looked emaciated and grief-stricken in the photographs released by the State House, Abuka, had a baby clinging to her.
One of the 21 girls, who all looked emaciated and grief-stricken in the photographs released by the State House, Abuka, had a baby clinging to her.
Osinbajo, who spoke with State House
correspondents after he met with the girls at the Office of the
Department of State Services (DSS), said Nigerians should congratulate
themselves and thank God for the girls’ release.
He also confirmed the information minister’s assertion that the federal government did not swap the girls for detained members of Boko Haram.
He also confirmed the information minister’s assertion that the federal government did not swap the girls for detained members of Boko Haram.
He said: “We should congratulate
ourselves and thank the almighty God for the release and subsequent
return home of 21 of the Chibok girls who were taken hostage two years
ago.
“It is exciting news for the whole country. Everyone is really excited and I believe that we should be very thankful to God.
“It is exciting news for the whole country. Everyone is really excited and I believe that we should be very thankful to God.
“I also want to thank the military and
all the security services, DSS, intelligence services across the county
as well as our friends and partners, locally and internationally who
have also helped in bringing to a happy end of the captivity of 21 of
the Chibok girls.
“About an hour ago, I met with the 21
Chibok girls who have been brought back and they are in good health,
considering the circumstances they have been held in, and they are now
being well taken care of in the medical facility.
“They will be staying there for sometime until we are satisfied with their health. Their parents will be coming to join them hopefully by tomorrow.
“They will be staying there for sometime until we are satisfied with their health. Their parents will be coming to join them hopefully by tomorrow.
“There will be therapy, there will be
counselling. Of course, we can imagine what they have gone through. So
we expect that a lot of psychological therapy and so much needs to be
done to get them back in the right condition.”
On whether the girls were released
through a swap for suspected members of Boko Haram in government
custody, the vice-president said: “There was no exchange of any kind.
There was no swap of any kind.
“When we started negotiations, we said
we would consider all options available to us. Absolutely, there was no
exchange of any kind.”
When asked further if the government
will agree to future swaps to secure the release of the remaining girls,
he replied: “We must be sensitive to the fact that the government wants
these girls back and alive.
“Again, we must balance it against the
security and safety of the country. In the process of negotiations, we
will look at all options and we will weigh the options carefully and
decide on what to do.
“But what has happened and the process
we have begun is one which has not involved any type of swap of Boko
Haram commanders or any militant in any way.
“That is a very good turn of events. We
believe that in the next few days and months, we will be bringing in
more of these girls using exactly the same kind of negotiations and the
same template that we used.”
‘Red Cross Helped Convey Girls’
Providing clarity on the involvement of
the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which yesterday
stated that it was not involved in negotiations for the release of the
girls, Osinbajo said: “The Swiss government worked with us in the
process of negotiations, but the Red Cross was not involved in the
negotiations.
“But in conveying the girls back, of
course, we worked with the Red Cross because we were unable to take our
own medical team. The Red Cross was not involved at all in the process
of negotiations. It was the Swiss government and our own officials
comprising the DSS, intelligence and the military that were involved.”
Cash Paid for Girls
However, despite the federal
government’s insistence that there was no prisoner swap to secure the
release of the girls, an authoritative presidency source informed
THISDAY that the government was forced to part with cash to get the 21
girls out.
Although he did not disclose the amount involved, he said: “As you know, the federal government started negotiations for the release of the Chibok girls in July last year.
Although he did not disclose the amount involved, he said: “As you know, the federal government started negotiations for the release of the Chibok girls in July last year.
“However, there were two previous attempts to secure their release which failed because Boko Haram was factionalised.
“Despite this, the government did not give up and continued negotiations through its team led by the DSS, with the support of the Nigerian Army and Air Force.
“Despite this, the government did not give up and continued negotiations through its team led by the DSS, with the support of the Nigerian Army and Air Force.
“The team eventually got the green light
recently and delivered the money to the representatives of Boko Haram,
following which one of the Augusta Westland helicopters which was
transferred by Mr. President early this week from the Presidential Air
Fleet to the Nigerian Air Force, was sent to convey the girls early this
morning from the Camerounian border.”
The presidency official stated that the
handover of the aircraft from the Presidential Air Fleet to the Air
Force on Monday had nothing to do with the release of the girls,
insisting that it was “sheer coincidence”.
He said once the girls were handed over
to the government team, they were verified in collaboration with the Red
Cross and flown immediately to Kaduna, where they spent a few hours and
underwent a brief medical assessment, before being flow to Abuja.
“The release is the first of many phases
that the government has embarked upon. We are very optimistic that more
girls will be released in the next few weeks or months,” he said.
‘A Commitment Fulfilled’
Reveling in the release of the 21
missing girls yesterday, the federal government attributed the feat to
the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to fulfil the promise he
made to Nigerians and the international community.
“We can confirm that 21 of the girls were released safely to us by 5.30 this Thursday morning and they were flown to Kaduna from the location of their release.
“We can confirm that 21 of the girls were released safely to us by 5.30 this Thursday morning and they were flown to Kaduna from the location of their release.
“This is the most glaring manifestation
to date of the unwavering commitment of Mr. President to secure the safe
release of the girls and reunite them with their families,” the
information minister said yesterday during a press briefing in Abuja.
“It is also a result of the
round-the-clock efforts by the administration to put a closure to the
sad issue of the kidnap of the girls,” he added.
Explaining the secret deal that led to
the release of the girls, the minister along with other senior
government officials, confirmed that the effort was led by the DSS in
collaboration with a “friendly European country and a renowned
international humanitarian organisation” and supported by the military.
He said that as soon as the necessary confidence was built on both sides, the parties agreed on the date and the location for the release of the 21 girls.
He said that as soon as the necessary confidence was built on both sides, the parties agreed on the date and the location for the release of the 21 girls.
“It was a product of painstaking
negotiations and trust on both sides. We see this as a credible first
step in the eventual release of all the Chibok girls in captivity.
“It is also a major step in confidence-building between us as a government and the Boko Haram leadership on the issue of the Chibok girls.
“It is also a major step in confidence-building between us as a government and the Boko Haram leadership on the issue of the Chibok girls.
“We want to thank all Nigerians for
their support and for never losing confidence in the ability of Mr.
President to secure the safe release of our Chibok girls,” Mohammed
said.
Ahead of their arrival in Abuja thursday, the minister said the government had assembled a team of medical doctors, psychologists, social workers and trauma experts to properly examine the girls, especially because they had been in captivity for so long.
Ahead of their arrival in Abuja thursday, the minister said the government had assembled a team of medical doctors, psychologists, social workers and trauma experts to properly examine the girls, especially because they had been in captivity for so long.
“They will also be adequately debriefed.
We have the list of the 21 girls but we are now contacting their
parents as part of the necessary verification exercise,” he added.
Earlier while confirming the release of the 21 girls, the presidency in a statement by Garba Shehu, said their release was brokered by the Red Cross and Swiss Government.
Earlier while confirming the release of the 21 girls, the presidency in a statement by Garba Shehu, said their release was brokered by the Red Cross and Swiss Government.
However, the Red Cross has clarified
that it was not involved in negotiations for the release of the girls
but assisted in conveying them once they were released yesterday
morning.
Shehu said the Director-General of DSS, Mr. Lawal Daura, briefed Buhari before he departed for his state visit to Germany.
Shehu said the Director-General of DSS, Mr. Lawal Daura, briefed Buhari before he departed for his state visit to Germany.
The statement read: “The release of the
girls, in a limited number, was the outcome of negotiations between the
administration and the Boko Haram brokered by the International Red
Cross and the Swiss government.
“The negotiations will continue. The
president welcomes the release of the girls but cautions Nigerians to be
mindful of the fact that more than 30,000 fellow citizens were killed
via terrorism.
“Malam Lawal Daura wants the girls to have some rest, with all of them very tired coming out of the process before he hands them over to the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
“The president takes off shortly on a trip to Germany for a state visit.”
“Malam Lawal Daura wants the girls to have some rest, with all of them very tired coming out of the process before he hands them over to the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
“The president takes off shortly on a trip to Germany for a state visit.”
Buhari, Saraki, Others Overjoyed
Speaking on the girls’ release before
leaving for Germany, Buhari through his Twitter handle, said: “As I
depart Abuja for Germany on an official visit, I welcome the release of
21 of our Chibok Girls, following successful negotiations.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) has briefed me on the matter, and will continue to provide updates.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) has briefed me on the matter, and will continue to provide updates.
“Cooperation on the security and
humanitarian situation in the North-east will form a significant part of
my discussions with Chancellor Merkel.”
In his reaction, Senate President Bukola Saraki commended the president, the Nigerian security services, the government of Switzerland and the international community for what he described as their combined efforts, which led to the release of the 21 Chibok schoolgirls.
In his reaction, Senate President Bukola Saraki commended the president, the Nigerian security services, the government of Switzerland and the international community for what he described as their combined efforts, which led to the release of the 21 Chibok schoolgirls.
Saraki, according to a statement by his
media office, said his heart went out to the families whose daughters
were still being held in captivity while his thoughts and prayers were
also with the families of those who had returned.
He said the Senate would continue to support federal government’s efforts to secure the release of the Chibok girls, adding that their abduction had remained a dark spot in the country’s history.
He said the Senate would continue to support federal government’s efforts to secure the release of the Chibok girls, adding that their abduction had remained a dark spot in the country’s history.
“We join all Nigerians to rejoice on the
return of our daughters. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the
families of those who have returned, and those girls who remain in the
hands of the terrorists.
“It is our hope that the release of more of the girls is imminent and that our nation remains vigilant in the face of the continued crisis in North-east Nigeria,” he said.
“It is our hope that the release of more of the girls is imminent and that our nation remains vigilant in the face of the continued crisis in North-east Nigeria,” he said.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar,
through a Twitter post, said he was incredibly happy at the news,
adding: “A lesson, hope always wins. Prayers for the release of the
remaining #ChibokGirls.”
The Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima also commended the president on his unrelenting commitment to secure the release of the girls.
The Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima also commended the president on his unrelenting commitment to secure the release of the girls.
He said: “If any Nigerian had doubts
about the sincerity and commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to the
rescue of our precious daughters abducted by Boko Haram insurgents at
Government Secondary School, Chibok on April 14, 2014, as well as his
sincerity in rescuing all other victims and ending the Boko Haram
insurgency, such doubts should be eliminated by the success of the
negotiations that led to the release of 21 Chibok schoolgirls.”
Shettima’s reaction was contained in a statement issued by Malam Isa Gusau, spokesman to the Borno governor.
He said: “As people of Borno State troubled by the deaths and destructions of the Boko Haram insurgency, one of our major sources of strength since May 29, 2015, has been the undiluted sincerity we saw in President Muhammadu Buhari based on his administration’s absolutely genuine commitment towards recovering our schoolgirls, thousands of other women and children held in captivity as well as ending the insurgency in order to secure the lives of our citizens and make way for reconstruction, resettlement and other development programmes and projects.
He said: “As people of Borno State troubled by the deaths and destructions of the Boko Haram insurgency, one of our major sources of strength since May 29, 2015, has been the undiluted sincerity we saw in President Muhammadu Buhari based on his administration’s absolutely genuine commitment towards recovering our schoolgirls, thousands of other women and children held in captivity as well as ending the insurgency in order to secure the lives of our citizens and make way for reconstruction, resettlement and other development programmes and projects.
“I am certain that the recovery of our
21 precious daughters from insurgency only strengthens the resolve of
the Buhari administration to continue to work tirelessly until all the
girls and all Nigerians abducted are freed and until the Boko Haram
insurgency is brought to an end to guarantee public safety.”
The governor also thanked the Armed Forces and others who worked on the recovery of these 21 daughters of Borno State.
Also, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the news of the release of the girls came to him as a “delightful relief”.
Also, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the news of the release of the girls came to him as a “delightful relief”.
“I congratulate the families of these
young ladies who have endured so much anxiety and pain on account of
this horrendous experience. I am also grateful that these budding young
stars now have the opportunity to again pursue their dreams and
aspirations.
“I know there is road to recovery and
readjustment ahead, but I am confident that the support of their
families, our communities, and the assistance of our many collaborators
at home, and internationally will provide the tools required for this,”
he said.
He congratulated and thanked Buhari for
his steadfastness and dogged effort in ensuring the release of the
girls, and saluted the gallant men and women in uniform who have
continued to make sacrifices on behalf of the Nigeria, and have remained
focused in the hot pursuit of the terrorists.
BBOG, Bala Usman Laud FG
Similarly, a statement signed by the duo
of Aisha Yesufu and Oby Ezekwesili, on behalf of the BBOG group, said:
“The Nigerian government has confirmed the return of 21 of our
ChibokGirls. We are extremely delighted and grateful as we await the
names.
“We welcome reports from the presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, of the negotiated release of 21 of our abducted #ChibokGirls today.
“We welcome reports from the presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, of the negotiated release of 21 of our abducted #ChibokGirls today.
“This wonderful development confirms what we have always known about the capacity of our government to rescue our #ChibokGirls.
“While awaiting further details, we take this opportunity to salute the work of our security services at the front lines – the commitment, resilience and tireless efforts of our members of the Multi-national Joint Task Force and the Civilian JTF.
“While awaiting further details, we take this opportunity to salute the work of our security services at the front lines – the commitment, resilience and tireless efforts of our members of the Multi-national Joint Task Force and the Civilian JTF.
“We also thank the International
Committee for the Red Cross, the Swiss government and all negotiators
involved in securing the release.
“Following this development, we trust that our government will continue to work to keep the safety, security, and well-being of the other girls a high priority.
“Following this development, we trust that our government will continue to work to keep the safety, security, and well-being of the other girls a high priority.
“We further urge the international
community to continue to support our government’s effort to rescue all
other abducted Nigerians, so that parents, the Chibok community, the
nation, and the world can finally put an end to this nightmare once and
for all.”
Still speaking afterwards, Ezekwesili,
who is in the United States, took to her Twitter handle to express her
joy over the release of the 21 girls.
In emotional several Tweets, she thanked the president and military for the release of the girls, while expressing hope that the outstanding 197 girls still in captivity will be freed soon.
In emotional several Tweets, she thanked the president and military for the release of the girls, while expressing hope that the outstanding 197 girls still in captivity will be freed soon.
Another founding member of the group,
Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, who is now the Managing Director of the Nigerian
Ports Authority (NPA), also expressed joy over the release of the girls
and commended the federal government yesterday.
Speaking to THISDAY on the phone, she said: “It is a historic milestone in the fight against the insurgency, having them release 21 of the girls they held captive for over two years.
Speaking to THISDAY on the phone, she said: “It is a historic milestone in the fight against the insurgency, having them release 21 of the girls they held captive for over two years.
“It is an indication of their (Boko
Haram) decapitation by the Nigerian military. I was overwhelmed with
emotions when I heard of the girls’ release, because the Chibok girls
have been symbolic of everyone who has been held captive by Boko Haram.
“It is a major symbol for all of us to celebrate, to support the military and support the government to rebuild the infrastructure and social services in the North-east.”
“It is a major symbol for all of us to celebrate, to support the military and support the government to rebuild the infrastructure and social services in the North-east.”
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