Exactly 186 days since over 200 schoolgirls were abducted from Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, their abductors, Boko Haram Friday declared a ceasefire.
Consequently, Nigerian military authorities have equally declared a ceasefire. Both the federal government and the sect representatives have intensified dialogue of late.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Air chief Marshal Alex Badeh, who disclosed this in Abuja, said the insurgents have assured that the abducted girls are all alive.
Boko Haram insurgents have carried out series of attacks in the northern part of Nigeria, leading to the death of thousands of people.
With the escalation of attacks, President Goodluck Jonathan in May 2013 declared a state of emergency in the three frontline states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
But, despite the emergency rule, attacks by the insurgents did not abate. On April 14, 2014, the sect members abducted over 200 girls, sparking international outrage.
Sequel to the condemnation and outrage that greeted the abduction, the sect leader, Abubakar Shekau, demanded the release of his top commanders in the custody of security agencies in exchange for the girls.
A statement issued Friday by the National Information Centre (NIC) reads:
“We can confirm to you that there have been contacts between the government and representatives of Boko Haram.
“The discussions are essentially in relation to the general insecurity in the North East and also the need to rescue all captives of the terrorists, including the students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok.
“From the discussions, they indicated their desire for and willingness to discuss and resolve all associated issues.
“They also assured that the school girls and all other people in their captivity are all alive and well.
“Already, the terrorists have announced a ceasefire in furtherance of their desire for peace. In this regard, the government of Nigeria has, in similar vein, declared a ceasefire.
“Finally, this is to assure Nigerians that the greater goal of this process is to ensure the return of normalcy in the land, especially in parts of the country troubled by the activities of terrorists. “President Jonathan’s commitment to peace and security in Nigeria and indeed, all parts of the world has been the driving force of all engagements and measures taken since the war on terror began in the country”.
Meanwhile, Boko Haram leadership is yet to issue any statement to this effect.
