The International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, has refuted claims by the Nigerian government that it participated in negotiations for the release of some of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.
On Thursday, October 13, 2016, the Nigerian presidency announced the release of 21 schoolgirls by the Islamist terrorist group, Boko Haram.
A statement signed by Garba Shehu, a presidential spokesperson said that the release of the girls was brokered by the Red Cross and the Swiss government.
“The release of the girls, in a limited number is the outcome of negotiations between the administration and the Boko Haram brokered by the International Red Cross and the Swiss government.” Shehu said in a Facebook statement.
However, the spokeswoman of the ICRC told an NBC News reporter, Alexander Smith, that the humanitarian organisation wasn’t part of the arrangement.
“Spokeswoman for the @ICRC tells me it was not part of negotiations to free the 21 Chibok girls, contradicting the Nigerian government,” Smith tweeted.
Spokeswoman for the @ICRC tells me it was not part of negotiations to free the 21 Chibok girls, contradicting the Nigerian government.
— Alexander Smith (@AlexanderSmith) October 13, 2016
