Families Doubt Boko Haram Will Free 200 Abducted Schoolgirls

TEMPO.CO, Abuja – The Nigerian government says a deal has been made with Boko Haram, which has agreed to free 200 schoolgirls it kidnapped last April and enganged in a ceasefire. 

Mike Omeri, a government spokesman, told Associated Press on Monday that the schoolgirls would be released in the near future. Conditions for the ceasefire, however, were not mentioned. 

The schoolgirls are reportedly in good health. Nigeria and Boko Haram have finished negotiations in Chad with mediation assistance from Chadian President Idriss Deby. 

However, despite the government’s confidence of this recent development, families of the schoolgirls are still pessimistic. 

There are also doubts in the government regarding the freedom of the schoolgirls. Last Saturday, a source from Nigeria’s security department said there were talks with Boko Haram, but the senior official was not sure if the one the government negotiated with was part of the Boko Haram that kidnapped the schoolgirls as Boko Haram has many splinter groups. 

"There are some talks but it depends on the buy-in of the whole group. I would be surprised if Shekau had suddenly changed his mind and is ready for a ceasefire," the source added. 

There has been no confirmation from Boko Haram yet regarding the release of the schoolgirls and the ceasefire.

ANINGTIAS JATMIKA |AP | REUTERS