Nigerians react to release of 21 Chibok girls

The news broke on Thursday, October 13, that 21 of the over 200 Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram, have been released.

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.



Following the news, Nigerians have taken to various social media platforms to air their views about the issue which many have termed a propaganda.

Below are the reactions as drawn from Twitter and Facebook.

After killing the Shi’ites, they released Chibok girls to distract attention. 

Igwebuike Charles Uwadi said: “Another distraction from the resent happening, this government are the game masters, the same people keeping chibok girls releases them to calm tension and distract Nigerian but no matter the game they play , they will remain in confusion, light will always expose darkness.”

Lawrence Iweabudike said: “What do this fulani’s take Nigerians for? This is how they gathered all the Northern destitute in IDP camp and called them rescued captives.”

Iyke Ifedioramma said: “We need video and the media should grant them interview on national television b4 we believe this Propaganda

Alves Johnson ask a question saying: “Released on what conditions,so really this chibok girls saga is a propaganda?????well i see”

Meanwhile, the Presidency has reacted to the news of the released Chibok Girls.

Mallam Garba Shehu, a spokesman to President Muhammadu Buhari affirmed the report. In a statement made on Facebook, Shehu said: “IT IS OFFICIAL, 21 CHIBOK GIRLS NOW WITH GOVERNMENT.

It is confirmed that 21 of the missing Chibok Girls have been released and are in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS.

The Director-General, Malam LAWAL Daura just finished briefing the President H.E MUHAMMADU Buhari.

The release of the girls, in a limited number is the outcome of negotiations between the administration and the Boko Haram brokered by the International Red Cross and the Swiss government. The negotiations will continue.

The President welcomes the release of the girls but cautioned Nigerians to be mindful of the fact that more than 30,000 fellow citizens were killed via terrorism.

Malam LAWAL wants the girls to have some rest, with all of them very tired coming out of the process before he hands them over to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. The President takes off shortly on a trip to Germany for a state visit.



The names of the released girls follows shortly,” the statement read.

In a related development, the minister of information, culture and tourism has denied claims that the recent release of the 21 Chibok was not a swap for some terrorists.

“This is not a swap, this was a release,” Mohammed said. “They were flown to Kaduna from the location of their release,” Mohammed said the girls were released by 5.30 am Thursday, October 13, morning.

He also said the release of the girls is the effort of the federal government to Nigeria led by President Muhammadu Buhari to safe rescue. He said the release of the girls came after an established confindence between the leadership of the sect and some negotiators.

Meanwhile, Oby Ezekwesili, foremost campaigner of the BringBackOurGirls group and former minister of education has expressed excitement over the release of the 21 abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

The leader of the BBOG group via her twitter handle thanked the president as she expressed joy over the release of the Chibok girls.