President Muhammadu Buhari has said there is still the possibility of ensuring return of the remaining 112 Chibok girls from Boko Haram captivity.
About 276 school girls were kidnapped from a school in Chibok local government area of Borno State on April 14, 2014.
Some 60 managed to escape from their abductors while the Federal Government has only been able to negotiate the release of 107. More than 100 other girls are still unaccounted for.
Again, Leah Sharibu and about 110 other students of Government Girls Science and Technical Secondary School, Dapchi, Bursari local government area of Yobe State were kidnapped on the night of February 19, 2018.
But while all the other girls were released, Sharibu has been held back since then for refusing to denounce her Christian faith.
Buhari, speaking on the eve of the fifth anniversary of Chibok abduction, assured the girls’ parents that he was still working to ensure their release.
In a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, the president said Sharibu’s return was being hindered by fear on the part of her abductors.
He said: “Diverse efforts are being intensified to secure the release of the Chibok Girls, along with all hostages in Boko Haram captivity, including Leah Sharibu who was kidnapped from her school, Science Secondary School, Dapchi, Yobe State, on February 19, 2018.
“On Leah Sharibu’s abduction, the interlocutors have reported encouraging progress so far.
“The report reaching us says her return to her family has unfortunately been hindered by the fear of the militants.
“They worry that heavy military presence in areas where they previously moved about freely could affect their safety after they return her to the government.”
He assured that “Leah Sharibu will be reunited with her family as soon as any conclusions are reached on a number of options being considered for her safe transportation.”
