There are now indications that the federal government is ready to negotiate the release of the schoolgirls in Boko Haram captivity.
No headway has been made yet in locating their whereabouts, meaning the insurgents still have the upper hand in the hostage crisis. Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, has indicated willingness to free the girls if the militants in government custody are also released.
Now to the questions: Should government enter into negotiations with the group to secure the release of the girls? Will the end justify the means – that is, getting the girls back home safe and sound even though the militants will also breathe the air of freedom? Will this “exchange deal” finally signal a new direction in the anti-terror war and end the militancy in the north?
Or will the release of the militants be a sign of capitulation by the government? Will it embolden Boko Haram to go for more blood? Will the released militants not return to the Boko Haram fold and continue from where they stopped? Will the government not end up looking weak and undermined at the end of the day?
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If your daughter were among the kidnapped, will you oppose a deal? If the militants have killed your relatives before, will you support a deal?
It’s time to say what you have on your mind using the box below.
You can also comment on twitter #YourSayOnBHMilitants
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5 comments
of course the FG will look weak after negotiation, BH men will want to kidnap more in exchange for their men in prison. My say. Rescue the girls and end the menace of Boko Haram. Haba, we are tired, we can hardly sleep with our two eyes closed.
Never, never, never. Nothing good will come out of it. We should bite the bullet and move in ro rescue the poor girls after working on useful and critical intelligence. Many of the girls will die, but that was always going to happen in this sad situations. We cannot and will not negotiate with terrorists , especially those with supporters in high Nigerian political places e.g. Tambuwal and the Borno Governor and Senators
Arrested Boko Haram insurgents SHOULD NOT BE RELEASED because:
*they are murderous criminals who will neither repent nor be remorseful but will DEFINITELY GO BACK TO THEIR EVIL WAYS;
*they have committed immeasurable havoc on account of their belief and they DO NOT EVEN BELIEVE IN ANY CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY OUTSIDE BOKO HARAM;
*their release would give them a huge sense of victory and attract more local and international moral/financial support for their terrorist movement, from terrorist organizations/I desperate politicians.
If I run government and my government will release such fellows as confirmed Boko Haram members who have committed heinous atrocities against humanity, I can only release them to go and die at home. At least, the government will give them enough time to get home before they kick the bucket. Please, don't ask me how the government will get that done. Thank you.
No no no muderers can't be swapped with innocent children ' very very improper.But l pray for the children and share in the agony of their parents.