TheCable

In Boko Haram’s latest release of a video containing the Chibok schoolgirls abducted in Borno, 50 of those girls were seen.

The group demanded the release of its fighters in exchange for the girls.

A total of 276 girls were abducted; while 57 managed to escape, one was rescued after 765 days, leaving 218 in captivity. Though the army said another Chibok girl was rescued, her identity has generated controversy.

On numerous occasions, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed willingness to negotiate the freedom of the girls, but the idea is as controversial as the word can come.

Attempts by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan to secure a peace deal with the sect ended up in an embarrassing, phantom ceasefire, but Buhari has vowed that such will not happen under him.

While some believe government should do anything, even if it means paying ransom, just to have the girls back, others have argued that if at all government decides to negotiate with the group, it should be from a position of strength, and that insurgents should not be released under any condition.

Those who do not want government to free captured Boko Haram members have said such persons pose a threat to the society, that they can even organise more kidnappings in future, thereby forcing government back to the negotiation table.

But having been held captive for well over two years, no extra second should be wasted in rescuing the girls. They are already traumatised and there is little to suggest their nightmare won’t get worse under Boko Haram.

Should the government consider this deal and let the girls go? But again, will this not encourage insurgents to  kidnap another set of Nigerians and then hold the government to ransom afresh?

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