Reports claims that there is a fast move by the federal government to free Leah Sharibu, one of the Dapchi, Yobe state schoolgirls taken away by terrorists in 2018.
A government source said third parties were brought into the picture with the aim of paying a ransom in a bid to secure Sharibu’s release.
The source claimed that abductors, who had made the financial demand, were said to have backed out when payment was offered.
According to him, “In the circumstances, the FG determined to secure the release, requested for an explanation as to the sudden refusal to receive the ransom by the terrorists only to be told by some of the third line communication channels that the terrorists decided they would never accept a ransom on Leah because they hoped to use her abduction to rankle religious passion and possibly cause a religious war in the country if they could.”
He added that the government remains strongly committed to securing the release of Leah and all other identified and unidentified abductees by any means necessary.
He said it was because of the motive of the terrorists to use Leah to fan the embers of religious tension that made them reject the ransom government security agencies prepared to pay them.
According to him, despite the recorded frustration, top presidential officials encouraged the government to remain actively engaged with the channels of communication and the negotiators until a positive resolution is secured.
He stressed that President Muhammadu Buhari has set a firm target and resolve to ensure the freedom of Leah and others by any means necessary.