Use Ceasefire Deal To Ensure Release Of All Boko Haram Captives, BBOG Charges FG

The Federal Government has been urged to use the ceasefire agreement purportedly entered into with the Boko Haram sect to ensure that other Nigerians held involuntarily by the insurgents are released alongside the Chibok schoolgirls.

A statement signed by Obiageli Ezekwesili, Hadiza Bala Usman, Maryam Uwais and Saudatu Mahdi on behalf of the #BringBackOurGirls advocacy group in Abuja, said they hoped that the abducted 219 girls would be released in a matter of days.

The statement reads: “Local and international news media have been awash with news that the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Boko Haram Sect have reached a ceasefire (agreement), which also includes the release of the 219 abducted Chibok girls.

“While we await official confirmation from our President over this development, we are extremely anxious but cautiously optimistic that the abducted Chibok girls will be released swiftly or at least in a matter of days.

“Beyond the release of the Chibok girls, we call on the FG to also ensure the release of all other Nigerians and non-Nigerians that have been abducted by the sect before and after the Chibok girls were kidnapped.

“We hope that the ceasefire will allow for dialogue, peace and an atmosphere that will promote the rapid development of the North East sector while continuing to prioritise the education of children, especially girls.

“Early evidence of the workings of the ceasefire will help considerably to boost public confidence. So we encourage the FG to release  as much information as possible, within reasonable constraints

“The #BringBackOurGirls Abuja Movement will continue to monitor the situation and provide any update as events unfold. We thank all our partners and supporters globally who’ve supported the movement since inception and continue to do so till date.

“As promised on April 30, 2014, we will not stop our campaign until our Girls are Back and Alive”.