BREAKING: Boko Haram Returns Kidnapped Dapchi Schoolgirls, Five Feared Dead

The Nigerian Islamist militant group, Boko Haram today returned 105 girls kidnapped from Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, in Yobe State on February 19.

According to Sahara Reporters, the terrorist group came with the girls in nine vehicles same way they took them away.

There was confusion in the area as members of the community scampered into the bush as the terror group appeared in the area, first dropping off one of the girls in a nearby village and then driving into the center of Dapchi town to drop off the rest of the girls.

According to the source, five of the girls are dead. It is not clear if the Nigerian government paid any ransom to get the girls released.

In another report released by Punch, a few minutes ago, the Presidency has confirmed the release of the students.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, confirmed this in an interview this morning.

Shehu promised to give further details on the development later.

“Yes, the girls are being transported to safety. We will give details later. We thank God,” the presidential spokesman said.

The girls’ release came exactly one week after President Muhammadu Buhari visited the school where they were kidnapped.

Buhari had during the visit last Wednesday reassured parents of the abducted schoolgirls that the Federal Government will not rest on its oars, until their wards are safely brought back home.

The President, who was accompanied by Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State, said he had directed full scale aerial surveillance and investigation to ensure that the girls were returned safely.

“I have read the full report of what happened in Dapchi. As I received the report, I was saddened and I am praying that God will continue to console you,” he said.

Buhari also said government will ensure that the Boko Haram menace is totally brought to an end.

“Boko Haram was in control of many local councils in Borno and some parts of Yobe State before we came. Now it has resorted to using young girls for suicide missions in mosques, churches and motor parks.

“We will not spare their members. We will ensure that Boko Haram meets its waterloo. By the will of God, I have directed the police and reinforced them, and the army and air force to keep searching until the children are returned alive,” he said.

More details shortly.