FG ready for further talks with insurgents - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has declared his administration’s readiness to continue talks with Boko Haram insurgents for the release of the remaining Chibok schoolgirls.

Buhari said he was prepared to continue the talks with condition that the insurgents will agree to involvement of international agencies like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) (ICRC).

President Buhari stated this at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday while meeting with ICRC President Mr. Peter Maurer.

He commended the role played by the International Committee of the Red Cross in Thursday’s release of the 21 abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

President Buhari urged the ICRC to sustain humanitarian interest in Nigeria.

Referring to the role played by the ICRC in providing immediate humanitarian assistance to the girls, who had spent over 900 days in the captivity of the terrorist group, Buhari said:“We have seen the result of recent talks; 21 of the Chibok girls are back.”

The president, however, stressed that Nigeria’s biggest problem was, perhaps, the issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

He noted that there were over two million IDPs “made up of over 60% women and children. About 60% of the children don’t know their parents, or where they come from. It is weighing heavily on government.”

He said the rebuilding of destroyed infrastructure was a priority of his administration, pointing out that the G7 nations had equally indicated support which Nigeria heartily welcomed.

“We appreciate all your efforts. I am pleased you recognised that our military is co-operating with civil authorities, and respecting humanitarian issues,” Buhari stated.

According to the president, “It is a difficult time for Nigeria. About 27 of our 36 states couldn’t pay salaries when we came last year, and we are still struggling with that. But we will get out of it.”