The Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Mohammed says there would be no closure to the Boko Haram insurgency until the Chibok girls are safely back home.
Alhaji Mohammed told statehouse correspondents on Monday, after the meeting of security chiefs, that the federal government has been working round the clock to ensure the girls were set free.
“Most people will forget the issue of these girls as soon as the effect of this video is over but the government is daily working on it.
“Until the release of this video, the effort is not attracting any attention. But everyday, the Office of the NSA and others concerned are working on it.
“For us, it is not just because of the release of the video but because of our belief that there will be no final closure to Boko Haram until we are able to resolve the issue of these girls.”
He also stated that the government is totally concerned and committed to the security of the Chibok girls.
“The government’s position is clear that we are in touch with them. We are just being careful and cautious to ensure that we are talking to the right people especially with the news that there is a split in the leadership. But what is important is the safety and security of these girls.
“The thrust of my statement was to ensure the nation that we are on top of the situation. We are not even just reacting to the video, we have gone far beyond the video in talking to the group already.”
When pressed further for details of the talks, he said, “until you are able to ascertain the authenticity of those you are talking to, you don’t go into details.
“We appreciate their commitment to the return of these girls but there are few things we need to do behind the scene. What we are saying is that the government is committed to do everything to rescue these girls.
“We are engaging them. By saying we are talking to them, I am talking from a point of knowledge. It does not matter what other people say. I know that the government is in touch with the group.”
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
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