The Nigerian government made a “large ransom payment” to Boko Haram in exchange for more than 100 schoolgirls kidnapped from a secondary school in Dapchi, Yobe State in February, the 22nd report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the United Nations’ Security Council has revealed.
Boko Haram abducted 110 Dapchi girls on February 18, 2018, but 104 were released on March 21, five having died in captivity, and one, Leah Sharibu, remaining in captivity for clinging on to her Christian faith.
There were multiple reports at the time that the freedom of the girls was secured with cash and the release of Boko Haram commanders.
However, Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, denied, claiming the girls were released following “back-channel” negotiations brokered with the help of some “friends of the country”.
He maintained that no ransom was…
Read More…..Sahara Reporters
