In April 2014, 276 school girls were kidnapped from Chibok in Borno State, Nigeria. Boko Haram, an extremist and terrorist organization based in northeastern Nigeria, claimed responsibility for the kidnappings. Over the first few months, 57 of the 276 girls managed to escape. In May 2016, one missing girl was found and told officials that all but six of the remaining girls were still alive.
Over the years, negotiations between the government and Boko Haram have been underway in an attempt to free the remaining girls. This week, officials have confirmed that 21 more Chibok girls have been freed.
“The release of the girls, in a limited number is the outcome of negotiations between the administration and the Boko Haram, brokered by the International Red Cross and the Swiss government,” said Garba Shehu, the president’s spokesman. “The negotiations will continue.”
Here are the names of the 21 girls that were released this week.
Nearly 200 girls still remain captive. It’s unknown how many have died.
