Boko Haram contacted me over abducted Dapchi schoolgirls, says Wakil

A human rights activist, Mrs. Aisha Wakil, has claimed that a Boko Haram faction had contacted her to confirm it has the abducted schoolgirls.

Mrs. Wakil, also known as Mama Boko Haram, who was a member of the Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges Committee in the northern region set up during the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Barnawi faction of Islamist sect contacted her on Thursday and confirmed to her that the girls were safe, healthy and in good condition.

She had earlier this week called on the abductors to release the girls to enable them reunite with their families.

Wakil, who is said to have communication links with Boko Haram and respected by some leaders of the sect, declared that she was ready to sacrifice her life to rescue the girls.

She said: “They are even the ones that called me and said, ‘Mama, we heard what you have said’ and told me that they are with the girls and they are going to release them.

“I begged of them and said, ‘please, let this not be another 1,000-plus days of Chibok girls,’ and they laughed and said, ‘no.’

“I asked them where I can come and stay with them (girls) for two days, but they did not say anything.

“I can assure Nigerians that so far, they are with my son, Habib, and his friends. Habib is a nice guy; he is very nice boy. He will not harm them, he will not touch them and he will not kill them.

“He is going to listen to us, and so far, he indicated interest that he loves peace. And I love them for that and believe what they said on this.