ABUJA-The presidency on Thursday confirmed the release of 21 Chibok girls hitherto in the custody of their abductors, Boko Haram.
The girls were among the 219 students stolen from their dormitory bed in Chibok community, Borno State on April 14, 2014.
One of them, Amina had earlier this year escaped from their abductors’ grip and was received by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Some of the abducted Chibok girls
In a statement, the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu confirmed the release of the 21 girls as he stated that the head of Department of State Services, DSS, Mallam Lawal Daura had briefed the president.
Shehu said that the girls who are currently in the custody of the DSS would soon be received by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
“It is confirmed that 21 of the missing Chibok Girls have been released and are in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS.
“Th Director-General, Malam Lawal Daura just finished briefing the President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The release of the girls, in a limited number is 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 cautioned Nigerians to be mindful of the fact that more than 30,000 fellow citizens were killed via terrorism.
“Malam 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.
The names of the released girls follow shortly”, Shehu said.
Want To Promote Your Song?