NO CHIBOK GIRLS RELEASED

Late evening yesterday, September 23, the Defence HQ released a statement to the BBC that some of the Chibok Girls had been released. Two Toyota Hiace buses with the girls inside were said to have been driven into the Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State, which was confirmed by Major Chris Olukolade, the DHQ spokesperson. This sparked a jubilation among many. Even the #BringBackOurGirls campaigner, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili tweeted that the rumour was strong, but added that they were waiting for the hard evidence. The rumour was easily believed since, few days ago, there were speculations that 219 of the girls would be released in exchange for 18 top Boko Haram militants captured by the Nigerian military.

The hard evidence never came and in fact, the Army Spokesman later retracted his statement, adding that the girls in Army custody were not Chibok girls. No Chibok girls were actually released.

Nigerians are getting impatient with the delay in rescuing the over 200 school girls abducted by the Islamic Militants known as Boko Haram. But President Jonathan and the Nigerian Army have severally assured that all efforts are being made to secure their safe release.