Some minutes ago, news broke that 21 Chibok girls were released by the Boko Haram sect. According to BBC Africa, a government source revealed that the terrorists dropped the girls in the Banki area of Borno state, where they were subsequently picked up by military helicopter.
The release of the girls comes a few months after the Boko Haram group called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government to release its fighters in exchange for the girls.
The identity of the released girls cannot be ascertained yet while it is not clear if Boko Haram fighters arrested by security operatives were exchanged for the girls.
However, Nigerians may be in doubt of this story about the release for the following reasons:
1. No photo proof
In the past whenever a Chibok girl was released or rescued, photos of her where usually readily available all over social media and the various news platforms.
For example, when Amina Ali Nkeki, one of the 219 Chibok school girls was rescued, pictures of her were seen everywhere. Nigerians are eager to believe that 21 Chibok girls were rescued, however picture evidence will be needed for Nigerians to really accept it.
2. No exchange
In the last video released by the Boko Haram sect, Shekau the leader stated clearly that the only grounds on which any of the Chibok girls will be released is that the arrested Boko Haram militants in the custody of the Nigerian government be released first.
So has there been any Boko Haram terrorists released by the Nigerian government? If yes, who are they? If no? Under what circumstances where the Chibok girls then released? These are some of the questions bothering many Nigerians.
3. Identity
Nigerians may also doubt this news because none of the girls have been identified. Names are one of the constants in the release and rescue of the Chibok girls.
Amina Ali, Susan Ishaya, are some names of rescued Chibok girls we have heard in the past. However, Nigerians are yet to be given the identity of any of the 21 released Chibok girls. This may cause doubt in the hearts of Nigerians.
4. Shekau has been unrepentant
When the news first broke, it was met with surprise and shock. This is because the leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau in his last video showed no sign of relenting or pity.
He has continued adamant in his demands of the Nigerian government, so it is surprising that this release is happening. Nigerians therefore may doubt the authenticity of the news.
5. Official statement
In a case as sensitive as this, one would expect that the Nigerian army would release an official statement on the release. However, this has not happened. So many Nigerians may continue to doubt this news until an official statement is released by the Nigerian army.
Here is a video of a captured Boko Haram member speaking on how he joined the sect:
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