As the world continues to seek the return of the over 200 girls abducted by terrorist group, Boko Haram in Chibok area of Borno state in Northeastern Nigeria, unconfirmed reports have it that 8 of the abdnucted girls have escaped from their captives.
The report, which has made the rounds in some media publications and social media alike, has been denied of its credibility by Commissioner of police in Borno State, Alhaji Lawan Tanko.
While denying the report, Lawan went ahead to admonish journalists to be mindful of the kind of news they put out, stressing that authenticity should be the benchmark of true journalism.
Vanguard reports:
The Police Command in Borno said on Wednesday that no new abducted student of Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Chibok, had escaped from captivity.
There were speculations that eight of the abducted school girls escaped from their captors.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Lawan Tanko, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the story was not true.
“I want to state without fear of contradiction that I never confirmed the escape of eight of the abducted GGSS, Chibok girls.
“I do not even know the author of the story,” he said.
Tanko advised journalists to always cross check their facts before going to press.
“The story has caused me some embarrassment because I never spoke to anybody on the issue.
“If truly, any of the girls had escaped, we will not hesitate in giving the media the information.
“It is sad that a journalist can just create a non-existing story and attribute same to me,’’ he said.
