Ezekwesili returns from Sambisa, says BBOG demands unchanged

AFTER returning from a tour in Sambisa , Borno State on invitation of the Federal Government FG, the Convener of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement, Oby Ezekwesili, on Tuesday said the group’s demand remains unchanged.

The former Minister of Education stated this at a briefing in Abuja following an intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operation to the Sambisa forest.

Ezekwesili who commended the Nigerian Air Force on its innovative use of technology, said that the group would continue to hold the government accountable for the release of the missing Chibok girls.

“By joining the NAF to do ISR day and night, we saw what it looks like to embark on a search for targets like the abducted Chibok girls. It also helps to frame the question we have been asking, we leave here to say the Federal Government should be able to say what strategic decision should be taken.

“We have learnt that the Nigerian Air Force is working to generate the information that supports the Army to ensure the security of the theatre of war.

“Negotiations led to the highest yield of 21 girls, four came back after the military raided their bases, that is, they either escaped or were found after the raid.

“It becomes a strategic question, we will hold the Federal Government accountable to a decision on what options work better for our girls and others.

“The information has empowered and enriched our demand, the Minister for Information has given the assurance that 80 girls would be part of a batch based on negotiation, we will keep asking for that,” she said.

She further stated that the group will continue to call for the prosecution of top government officials who have mismanaged military hardware funds.

“Imagine what would have happened if the whole money has been spent on buying the equipment, we are more empowered to demand sanctions,” she stated.

However, the Minister for Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the Federal Government is still negotiating with Boko Haram for the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls and other abductees.