Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gidan (R) speaks with Information Minister Lai Mohammed (C) and the head of the military force fighting Boko Haram, Brigadier General Rogers Nicholas, on the premises of the Government Girls Science and Technical College, in Dapchi, Nigeria, on February 22, 2018. Anger erupted in a town in remote northeast Nigeria on February 22 after officials fumbled to account for scores of schoolgirls from the college who locals say have been kidnapped by Boko Haram jihadists. Police said on February 21 that 111 girls from the college were unaccounted for following a jihadist raid late on February 19. Hours later, Abdullahi Bego, spokesman for Yobe state governor Ibrahim Gaidam, said “some of the girls” had been rescued by troops “from the terrorists who abducted them”. But on a visit to Dapchi on Thursday, Gaidam appeared to question whether there had been any abduction. / AFP PHOTO /
In my view, if the Federal Government can negotiate with Boko Haram and have the girls returned to their parents, it is good. However, this is medicine after death because the embarrassment such has caused this country before other nations is enormous. Negotiation should not be ruled out.
Mr. Ismail Aremu, Computerist
Sandals are strewn in the yard of the Government Girls Science and Technical College staff quarters in Dapchi, Nigeria, on February 22, 2018.. / AFP PHOTO /
Negotiations between the Buhari Government and Boko Haram paid off in October 2016, when the terrorists released 21 of the girls. In this light, I remain confident that same approach, if introduced, will certainly bring about success in the release of the abducted Dapchi school girls.
Ms. Nwanneka Ofodile, Graduate
I think I read on the social media that President Muhammadu Buhari has said the Federal Government will carefully explore means that will guarantee the safe return of all those abducted by Boko Haram insurgents. If one of such means is to negotiate, then it should start quickly for the sake of those girls who only God knows what they are facing now.
Mr. Onye Igwe, Technician
Interesting! Till this moment, the Nigerian government cannot establish sponsors of Boko Haram? Truck loads of people’s children missing just like that! Even if the government embarks on negotiation, will that stop the kidnapping of these school children by the sect?
Mrs Morayo Simeon, Businesswoman
The abduction of the Dapchi school girls remains a shocking deja vu. The Buhari administration has at least reacted more speedily than former President Goodluck Jonathan, who took two weeks to address the kidnapping and did not call the governor of Borno State for 19 days.
Mr. Emmanuel Chuddy, Graduate
Most wars, however furious or vicious, often end around the negotiation table. So if Boko Haram opts for negotiation, the government will not be averse to it. Government, however, should not be negotiating from a position of weakness but that of strength.
Ms. Adetoun Biobaku, Stylist
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Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.