The Nigerian Army has withdrawn its earlier claim that about 107 schoolgirls, who were kidnapped in Borno State on Tuesday, have been rescued by its men from the camp of their abductors. The army’s initial figure was rubbished by the Principal of the school, who claimed that only 14 girls have so far returned, after they (schoolgirls) escaped from the den of their kidnappers.
On Tuesday morning, more than 100 students of Government Girls Secondary School, FGSS, Chibok, Borno State, were abducted by suspected Boko Haram members. The incident has sparked worldwide criticisms.
In its retraction signed by the Director Defence Information/Coordinator, Maj Gen Chris Olukolade, the Nigerian military noted that the “the controversy that has been generated around the efforts at securing the lives of the abducted students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok is unfortunate.”
“The ongoing frantic efforts of security forces along with vigilante groups including hunters working to locate and free the abducted students have continued to be keenly monitored at the Operation Centre of the Defense and Army Headquarters as regular progress reports are being received from troops on the ground.
“In this regard, a report was filed in from the field indicating that a major breakthrough had been recorded in the search. There was no reason to doubt this official channel, hence the information was released to the public immediately. Surprisingly however, the school principal, one of the sources quoted in the report has denied all that was attributed to her for whatever reasons. This is an unfortunate development indeed, yet the Defense Headquarters would not want to join issues with anyone.
“It has to be reaffirmed however, that the report forwarded to the public on this issue was in good faith and not intended to deceive the public as is being interpreted following the denials by the School principal and Government of Borno State. Like all other citizens, the military is deeply concerned to ensure that the students are safe and freed alive. There is indeed no reason to play politics with the precious lives of the students. The number of those still missing is not the issue now as the life of every Nigerian is very precious.
“In the light of the denial by the principal of the school, the Defense Headquarters wishes to defer to the school principal and Governor’s statement on the number of students still missing and retract that aspect of earlier statement while the search continues,” said the statement.
