YOUR SAY: Should government release Boko Haram militants?

There are now indications that the federal government is ready to negotiate the release of the schoolgirls in Boko Haram captivity.

No headway has been made yet in locating their whereabouts, meaning the insurgents still have the upper hand in the hostage crisis. Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, has indicated willingness to free the girls if the militants in government custody are also released.

Now to the questions: Should government enter into negotiations with the group to secure the release of the girls? Will the end justify the means – that is, getting the girls back home safe and sound even though the militants will also breathe the air of freedom? Will this “exchange deal” finally signal a new direction in the anti-terror war and end the militancy in the north?

Or will the release of the militants be a sign of capitulation by the government? Will it embolden Boko Haram to go for more blood? Will the released militants not return to the Boko Haram fold and continue from where they stopped? Will the government not end up looking weak and undermined at the end of the day?

If your daughter were among the kidnapped, will you oppose a deal? If the militants have killed your relatives before, will you support a deal?

It’s time to say what you have on your mind using the box below.

You can also comment on twitter #YourSayOnBHMilitants