ABUJA, Nigeria – Community leaders in the hometown of more than 200 kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls are cautiously optimistic about news of a cease-fire with the Islamic extremists who abducted their daughters six months ago.
Bana Lawan, chairman of Chibok Local Government Area, says there will be no celebration until they see the girls, “and then we will know it is true.”
Community leader Pogu Bitrus says “people rejoiced, but with caution.”
READ MORE: Fate of kidnapped girls unclear as Nigeria claims Boko Haram ceasefire
He said many residents are skeptical of the army’s announcement Friday that Boko Haram extremists have agreed to an immediate cease-fire.
Some reports say the truce includes an agreement to free the 219 girls missing from Chibok town.
Government spokesman Mike Omeri says only that they are “inching closer to the release of the Chibok girls.”
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