Nigeria: hopes for return of kidnapped schoolgirls rise after ceasefire reported
Source: Guardian
The Nigerian government claims it has agreed a ceasefire with the Islamist militant group Boko Haram and is negotiating the release of more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped in April.
Spokesman Mike Omeri told a press conference on Friday: “Already, the terrorists have announced a ceasefire in furtherance of their desire for peace. In this regard, the government of Nigeria has, in similar vein, declared a ceasefire.”
Boko Haram negotiators “assured that the schoolgirls and all other people in their captivity are all alive and well”, Omeri added.
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But questions surrounded the purported deal, given that the Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, is expected to declare his re-election bid, and positive news about the hostages and insurgency could give him a political boost.
Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/17/nigeria-hope-kidnapped-schoolgirls-rise-ceasefire-reported-boko-haram