Suspected Boko Haram terrorists holding more than 50 abducted residents in Borno State have indicated they are ready to negotiate their release and have asked the government to engage them through a journalist they selected as mediator.
The spokesperson for the victims’ families, Hassan Yati, confirmed the development on Friday. He said the abductors provided families with a proof-of-life photograph and voice notes confirming the captives were alive.
“We received voice notes telling us they (victims) are alive and many in captivity more than the number we are asking. We learnt they are over 50 in numbers there,” Yati said.
“Government should reach out to them through a journalist mediator they have chosen with name I am withholding.”
He noted that the demand did not necessarily involve a ransom payment similar to other cases.
“It doesn’t have to be ransom like the case of Oyo. The government has the cards,” Yati added.
The family representative appealed
