Chibok Girls: We’re Ready To Open Talks With Shekau – FG
In what appears like a volte face, the Federal Government has declared its readiness to open talks with Boko Haram for the release of more than 200 abducted schoolgirls.
The change of heart on the part of government is coming less than 24 hours after the Interior Minister, Abba Moro, ruled out any form of negotiation with the sect.
Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau said on Monday that captured girls, who have not converted to Islam can be swapped for his incarcerated ‘brethren’.
Speaking with BBC on Tuesday, Minister for Special Duties, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki said that if Shekau was indeed sincere, he should send representatives for talks.
The girls were abducted April 14 from their hostels in Chibok, Borno State while preparing for their WAEC.
However, on Monday, a video emerged showing about 130 of the girls reciting Koranic verses with Shekau announcing that they had converted to Islam.
Turaki – who is chairman of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, said that Shekau should send people he trusts to meet the standing committee on reconciliation.
