Ebun Francis
The Presidency has denied reports circulating in online and mainstream media that another batch of 21 Chibok girls abducted by the Boko Haram insurgents in April 2014 have been released. The denial of the fast spreading reports were made by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on his Twitter handle.
The Presidential spokesman, however, confirmed that negotiations were ongoing for the release of the remaining girls still with the insurgents and that the Department of State Services is optimistic about the outcome. He clarified that the 21 girls who earlier went to Yola, Thursday were on their way home to celebrate Christmas with their families.
Shehu Tweeted, “To my friends spreading the news of a further release of Chibok girls, we are not there yet.
“The negotiations are ongoing and the Department of State Service is full of optimism that they will be successful.
“Today, the DSS took the 21 girls already secured to Yola, Adamawa State on their way home to celebrate the Christmas with their families.
“No new girls have been released but by God’s grace, they will be. Happy Christmas, everyone.”