[Mhiz Rebecca]

The presidency has denied report that another 21 Chibok
schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram from their school have
been released by their abductors.
Media reports had claimed that another 21 girls were freed on
Thursday and were brought to Yola International Airport in
Yola, Adamawa State capital around 3 pm on Thursday.
But presidential spokesman Garba Shehu said the girls seen at
the airport were the ones earlier released in October.
“No new girls have been released but by God’s grace, they
will be. Happy Christmas, everyone,” Shehu said. “Today, the
DSS took the 21 Girls already secured to Yola, Adamawa State
on their way home to celebrate the Christmas with their
families,” Shehu explained.
He, however, confirmed that negotiations for the release of
more of the kidnapped girls were still ongoing.
“The negotiations are ongoing and the Department of State
Service, DSS is full of optimism that they will be successful.
More than 200 kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls held since April
14, 2014, by Boko Haram. 21 of the girls were released on
October 13 in a deal brokered by the International Committee
of Red Cross and the Swiss government.
The federal government said a day after their release that it
was negotiating with a faction of Boko Haram for the release
of additional release 83 girls.
“These 21 released girls are supposed to be talebearers to tell
the Nigerian government that this faction of Boko Haram has
83 more Chibok girls,” said presidential spokesman Garba
Shehu.
“The faction said it is ready to negotiate if the government is
willing to sit down with them,” said Shehu, adding that the
state is prepared to negotiate with the branch of Boko Haram.