Alhassan urges Boko Haram to release 113 girls still in captivity

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Aisha Alhassan, has urged terrorist group, Boko Haram, to negotiate with the Federal Government for the release of the remaining Chibok girls still in captivity.

She made the plea at a farewell dinner held in honour of 106 released Chibok schoolgirls that had been undergoing rehabilitation in Abuja for the past eight months.

The minister reveals that the government was doing its best to make sure that the remaining girls in captivity are rescued and returned to their bereaved parents.

She said, "The Federal Government has never relented in the negotiation and I want to assure you that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"I appeal to their captors to come to the table and negotiate so as to see reasons to release those in captivity."

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In April 2014, Boko Haram invaded Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok and kidnapped 276 female students.

After several escapes and releases, 113 of the girls are still in captivity of the deadly terrorist group.

In May 2017, the sect released 82 of the girls in a deal that reportedly saw the Federal Government swap prisoners for the students.

At the dinner, Alhassan said the girls were ready for school again, with the Federal Government footing their bills to study at the American University of Nigeria (AUN).

She said, "They are going to be in one of the best schools; the American University of Nigeria (AUN) where they will start a special foundation programme like a pre-degree.

"Since their release, we have been giving them therapy to make them understand that challenges are a part of life and whatever happens to one in life is God’s will."

The girls are also being supported by UNICEF, UN Women, UNFPA and other agencies trying to reintegrate them back into the society after their time in captivity.