Yobe East senator tells colleagues that negotiations are still ongoing to free remaining Dapchi girl

NEGOTIATIONS to free Leah Sharibu the sole remaining Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) pupil still being held by Boko Haram are ongoing according to Senator Bukar Ibrahim representing Yobe East where the abduction took place.

On February 19, GGSTC Dapchi was attacked by the terrorists, who abducted the pupils in what was reminiscent of the kidnapping of the Chibok girls in 2014. Following their abduction, the Nigerian government mounted a concerted search for the girls and this morning, Boko Haram returned 105 of them in nine vehicles.

Ms Sharibu is yet to be returned, however, amid rumours that she is being held because she refused to denounce Christianity and convert to Islam. Over the last week, however, talks have been going on between the government and Boko Haram and there have been several false alarms raised only for news of her release to end in disappointment.

Speaking on the floor of the senate in response to a question, Senator Ibrahim told his colleagues that the talking is still ongoing. He added: “I want to reassure the distinguished senator that very serious negotiations are going on and I believe not far from now, she would also be released Insha Allah, the last Dapchi and the remaining Chibok girls.”