We cannot say when remaining Chibok girls will be released – FG

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Aisha Alhassan, has said the Federal Government cannot say when the remaining abducted Chibok girls will be freed.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, on Thursday, the Minister, however, reinterated Federal Government’s resolve to negotiate for the release of the over 80 remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls and other captives.

She said, “We cannot say when the girls will be released, if they will release the remaining girls for their members we will gladly do that and we don’t regret our actions.

“If we have our way, the girls will be released tomorrow but negotiation is still ongoing for the remaining abducted girls.”

She noted that the 82 girls girls recently released were undergoing medical screening, and would afterwards go for psychosocial therapy and refresher courses to facilitate their quick reintegration into the society.

Alhassan said pictures of the 82 girls had been sent for their parents to confirm their identification as some have similar names.

“It is not true that we are not allowing the parents to see their children; we allow them access but not every day.

“Most of them prefer to be here because they don’t want to be reminded of their experiences having to go to their community.

“Those saying we are not allowing them access are not the direct parents of the girls; we cannot bring anybody to see them apart from their biological parents, allowing visitors everyday will not allow them to heal fast,” she added.