The attention of
Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has been drawn to a news story by the Punch
newspapers alleging that ransom was paid by the government in exchange
for the recently released of 21 of the abducted Chibok girls. This
unsubstantiated story, to say the least is quite unfortunate. It is
important to recall here that several statements have been issued by the
military high command to clarify the issue surrounding the release of
the girls, which the whole world applauded. It is therefore worrisome
that some sections of the media continue to undermine this modest effort
of the government, security agencies and other stakeholders. It is
imperative to state categorically that the sponsors of this media
campaign have a hidden agenda which is best known to them.
The military and
other security agencies will not be distracted and would remain focus
in achieving its objectives in the North East. The important thing is
that the release have been made and circumstances surrounding this
effort should not be a matter of controversy so as not to overheat the
polity and jeorpardising the ongoing efforts to secure the release of
the remaining girls and other innocent citizens still in captivity of
the terrorists.
The insinuations
that ransom was paid to the terrorists which the terrorists used to
escalate the recent attacks in the North East is completely false and
imagination of the author. The general public should therefore
discountenance it in its entirety.
The DHQ wishes
to once more remind the media to be cautious of such reports which has
serious implication on national and to further add that, as partners in
progress, the media also has a stake in the ongoing efforts to restore
lasting peace in the North East and the country in
general.
RABE ABUBAKAR Brigadier General
Acting Director Defence Information
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