THIS IS RITA'S BLOG

COLLECTION OF PVC MADE EASY

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 13:51:00 +0000

with the election date drawing closer,and the deadline for the collection of PVCs is on the 8th of this month which is this sunday.
To locate your PVC, Go to www.govote.ng/pickup. Type the PU Number on your temporary voter card, search and your ‪#‎PVC‬ location will appear... Please Share!!! Go and get ur PVC and cast ur vote. It's very easy
#letsvotenotfight

PHOTO OF THE DAY

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:24:00 +0000

DOYIN OKUPE TURNS PROPHET!!!!!!! how GEJ will win presidential election

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 10:58:00 +0000

Someone seems so sure that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan would defnatly win the poll come Febuary 14, 2015 and its no other person than Doyin Okupe,the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan

see his prediction below:

PHOTO OF THE DAY

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:55:00 +0000

hehehehehe.......................so what do you guys think?

Lots of Love in the Air…Catch Some, Right on Konga

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 11:26:00 +0000

The most romantic day of the year is fast approaching and all over the country- lovers and ‘people who love’ are starting their quest for the perfect gift. We have all learnt over time that it’s best to beat the last-minute-rush and have a head-start on the frenzied Vals day shopping sprees.

It’s all happening on Konga.com for this upcoming Valentine’s Day, from romantic packages to fashion discounts and so much more. Konga.com has set up a one stop shop for all your needs. Check out the Konga 2015 Valentine store. Now, it’s so easy to choose the perfect gift for that perfect person.

It gets even more interesting, Konga is partnering with DealDey to give 3 lucky shoppers on Konga.com exotic romantic getaways. For details on winning a night in a luxury hotel, a full body massage and spa treatment or a 3 course dinner at a renowned restaurant in Lagos, click here.

PHOTOS: NIGERIAN'S PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANT FOR 2015 AND THEIR RUNNING MATE

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 13:18:00 +0000

BUHARI AND RUNNING MATE,OSIBANJO

PARTY: APC

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND ARC SAMBO

PARTY: PDP

AN APOLOGY

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 13:43:00 +0000

i sincerly want to apologise to you, my dearest friends for being AWOL all these while.
iam sorry for the silence without a prior notice.
in all, you have been in my thoughts and i promise to be back with interesting and thought provoking contents.
pls do bear with me, and thanks for staying with me through these times.
you guys rock!!!!!
its friday!!!!!!!! be good, have fun and stay out of trouble.

rita

BREAKING NEWS:TWIN BOMB BLAST IN JOS

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 20 May 2014 15:37:00 +0000

Twin blast rocked jos this afternoon. The explosion ripped through the University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) area inside the terminus market in Jos, Plateau state.

The number of casualty is still unknown at the moment. eye witnesses at the scene of the blast have been tweeting pics from the blast. find pics below..........................................................

NOA shares more pics of our men in action to #bringbackourgirls(photos)

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 20 May 2014 12:16:00 +0000

NOA is the National Orientation Agency.

#bringbackourgirls: Would Jonathan succumb to the pressure for prisoners swap?

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 20 May 2014 12:03:00 +0000

President Goodluck Jonathan is currently under pressure from some prominent Nigerians and some of his influential aides to accept the prisoner swap offer made by Boko Haram to release the over 200 schoolgirls it abducted from their school in Chibok on April 14, investigation has revealed.

The leader of the sect, Abubakar Shekau, had in a recent video asked for the release of Boko Haram members detained by security agencies across the country in exchange for the abducted girls.

Although the Presidency had ruled out what it called “trade by barter” in securing the release of the schoolgirls, some top government officials, including the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, had at different times said the government would go to any length to ensure that the girls were brought back to safety.

But it was learnt on Sunday that the President was being pressured by some prominent Nigerians to accede to the demands of the sect.

Their argument, it was gathered , was that what Nigerians and the international community were
interested in at this time was the release of the girls and not the process leading to it.

“Some prominent Nigerians are already reaching out to the President on the need for him to change his stand on the matter and do anything that can lead to the release of the girls. They are of the view that the release is the most important thing now,” a source close to the Presidency said in Abuja.

He did not name the prominent Nigerians whom he said had reached out to Jonathan on the matter.

The source added that some of the President’s top aides were also of the view that inasmuch as the girls were still in the abductors’ den, Jonathan’s goodwill among Nigerians and on the international scene would continue to dwindle.

This, they argued, would not do the President and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party any good as election year approaches.

Our source said If the President finally yields to the pressure, the release of the Boko Haram members in detention would not be made a public issue like when their wives and children were freed last year.

The source said this was to avoid the moral burden of justifying the release of criminals in exchange for innocent girls.

He added that once the decision was finally taken, the sect members who had already been convicted by courts might not benefit from the arrangement.

The source was not sure whether Shekau would also enjoy the luxury of naming his members who should benefit from the exchange or not.

He said, “Some of us are on the same page with these prominent Nigerians on this matter. Government should not be seen to be too rigid on this matter if we must get result.

“The way it is going, if the pressure is sustained, I see the President giving up on the matter in coming days and processes leading to the consummation of the agreement will be done behind the scene.

“This is why some government officials have been saying that the government will explore all options. It is our belief that this should be done as secretly as possible because of those who do not see the sense in government releasing criminals in exchange for the innocent girls.”

The Northern Elders’ Forum had said no sacrifice was too much to bring back the girls, even if it included releasing Boko Haram prisoners.

The forum’s spokesman Prof. Ango Abdullahi, had told SATURDAY PUNCH that, “every sacrifice is worth making to get these girls released from wherever they are kept.”

Jonathan had in May last year directed the Defence headquarters to release some Boko Haram members in its custody.

The decision was said to have been in furtherance of the Federal Government’’ position in response to requests by the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Reconciliation.

The Spokesman for the President, Reuben Abati, had at that time said Jonathan’s directive was evidence of his government’s multi-dimensional approach to tackling the security challenge in some parts of the country

Gen Buhari denies having any adopted son

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 20 May 2014 11:55:00 +0000

Gen Buhari has denied that a young man(pictured above)named Mohammed Buhari who was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on suspicion of fraud to the tune of N20 million is his adopted son.

General Buhari through his camp has stated that the reports are false as he has no adopted son.

This was contained in a statement released by the Buhari Vanguard on behalf of the General.

Read full statement below:

Gen Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd) wishes to state categorically that he does not have any adopted son called “Muhammadu Buhari” and had no need to adopt a son at any time having been blessed with choice children, both male and female.

Muhammadu Buhari and his family do not know the said “Muhammed Buhari” who is alleged to be involved in a N20m scam and is being held by EFCC as reported by Saharareporters.

It is regrettable to note that after several unsuccessful attempts to smear the hard earned respect, popularity, dignity, and enviable image of Muhammadu Buhari, mischief makers have resorted to a laughable tactic of linking Muhammadu Buhari to a crime just because someone who has been alleged to have committed a crime somewhere bears the name “Buhari”.

Muhammadu Buhari is blessed with very descent and disciplined children who obviously took after their father. His children have no single record of stealing and inordinate behavior anywhere in the world. They do not seek attention, but have proven the stuff their father is made of any time their character is put to test.

However, this is understandable, since the entire attempts by mischief makers to discredit Muhammadu Buhari as an individual have failed. We frown at this poorly articulated gimmick to indirectly link Muhammadu Buhari and his family to a crime allegedly committed by someone unknown to him and his family just for the fact that the said suspect bears the name “Muhammed Buhari”.

We urge Nigerians to ignore the said report as Muhammadu Buhari and his family will continue to set the pace for others to follow in good character and conduct.

British Surveillance jet breaks down on its way to Nigeria to help #bringbackourgirls

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 20 May 2014 11:25:00 +0000

In another news, the British surveillance jet which was on its way to Nigeria to help in the search for missing Chibok girls reportedly broke down in Senegal due to unspecified technical problems.

UK Ministry of Defense released a statement explaining this...

"A technical fault which has delayed the Sentinel aircraft on its way to Ghana is being investigated and will be solved as soon as possible. In the meantime the UK military team continues its work on the ground while other surveillance aircraft continue the search for the missing schoolgirls," .

British Prime Minister, David Cameron, announced that Britain would offer Nigeria a surveillance jet to help in the search of the missing girls.

OUR MEN IN ACTION TO #BRING BACK OUR GIRLS(PHOTOS)

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 20 May 2014 11:10:00 +0000

Reuben Abati tweeted this pix to show our men in action to #bringbackourgirls

wishing them them all the best and we pray that the girls are found soon.

IG of Police goes on a terminal leave

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Thu, 15 May 2014 13:19:00 +0000

The Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar has been asked to proceed on compulsory leave by president Jonathan allegedly because of the rising insecurity in the country under his watch and police under-performance under his leadership.

The Secretary to the Government, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, issued a letter signed by the president on Monday May 12th asking the IG to hand over to his immediate subordinate, Suleiman Fakai, who is the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Finance and Administration.

MD Abubakar became Inspector General of Police on January 25, 2012. His tenure was supposed to expire in July 2014, as he's due to retire July 30th 2014 based on mandatory retirement age after serving in the Nigerian Police Force for 35 years but had applied for extention of his tenure, but was turned down by the presidency.

Fakai will step in an acting capacity, until a new Inspector General is announced.

SOLDIERS REVOLT IN MAIDUGURI,BORNO STATE

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Wed, 14 May 2014 21:26:00 +0000

Soldiers from the newly formed 7th Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri today May 14th revolted against their General Officer Commanding, Major General Abubakar Mohammed, shooting sporadically in the Maimalari barracks, which is also home to the Artillery Corps, the Ordinance, as well as army signals in Maiduguri, Sahara Reporters reports

According to two soldiers who spoke with SR, emotions ran high when they saw the bodies of their colleagues ambushed and killed by Boko Haram men in Chibok, Borno state. The angry soldiers immediately started shooting into the air, complaining that their superior have failed to provide them with adequate weaponry with which to fight the war against the better-armed Boko Haram militants.

“We the soldiers don’t have the kind of arms and ammunition that [Boko Haram] fighters have. So everyday, they kill our men anyhow, but it is never published in the media,” said one source. The other source also complained that the commanding officers “are too busy ‘eating’ money. And they do not pay our allowances on time. And once [a soldier dies], nobody knows what happens to his allowances again.”

General Mohammed was immediately whisked out of the barracks to an unknown destination.

CREDIT: LIB

THE TIMES OF LONDON MAKES FUN OF OUR PRESIDENT WITH A CARTOON(photo)

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Wed, 14 May 2014 10:15:00 +0000

The above picture you see is drawn by The Times' political cartoonist, Peter Brookes, its the main pic you see there when you go to their website. Seriously, i aint finding this funny, people ought to have some respect or go buy one.

Names Of the 54 Chibok School Girls Identified In Boko Haram Video

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Wed, 14 May 2014 09:47:00 +0000

The parents of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls and their classmates converged at the Government House, Maiduguri, Borno State, to identify the girls who were shown in a video released by Boko Haram on Monday(yesterday).

The exercise which was painstaking and lasted throughout the day and last night, however, yielded some results, as parents, girls from Chibok secondary school and Borno State Government officials, were able to identify 54 of the abducted girls who featured in the video. And about 80 girls have now been identified so far.

Shortly after the terror sect released the video, the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, had directed that it should be reproduced and distributed so that the parents of the girls could identify their daughters.

But for other parents who could not identify their daughters, the pain and sorrow continued, with speculation rising that some of the girls who appeared in the video may have been kidnapped before April 14 from other communities in Borno.

The leader of the terrorist group, Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, had released a video on Monday showing over a hundred of the kidnapped girls who are believed to have been abducted from their secondary school in Chibok, Borno State, a month ago.

He had said that the girls, all dressed in the Muslim hijab and reciting verses of the Qu’ran, would only be released if the federal government accepts to exchange them for members of his sect who have been in government detention facilities for years.

Below is a list of those identified so far:

1. Agnes Gafane
2. Saraya Stober
3. Hauwa Bitrus
4. Hajara Isa
5. Na’omi Philimun
6. Hauwa Abdu (1st Speaking)
7. Magret Yama
8. Shitta Abdu
9. Jummai Muta…
10. Ladi Paul
11. Roda Peter
12. Filo Dauda
13. Godiya Bitrus
14. Saratu Tauji (2nd Speaking)
15. Ross Daniel
16. Hauwa Ali
17. Hajara Isa (Amira 3rd Speaking)
18. Luba Afga
19. Na’omi Luka
20. Saraya Emos Ali
21. Bilkisu Abdullahi
22. Mairama Ali
23. Maryam Ali Maiyanga
24. Dabora Abbas
25. Kabu Mala
26. Halima Ali
27. Yana Bukar
28. Solomi Pugu
29. Lydia Emmar
30. Luba Sanda
31. Saraya Samuel
32. Comfort Habila
33. Rejoice Shanki
34. Gloria Yaga
35. Mary Nkeki
36. Moda Baba
37. Hauwa Isuwa
38. Patient Jacob
39. Ladi Jajel
40. Abigel Bukar
41. Fanta Lawan
42. Zainabu Yaga
43. Aisha Lawan Zanna
44. Dokas Yakubu
45. Kabu Mala
46. Maryama Bashir
47. Hauwa M. Maina
48. Mary G. Dauda
49. Susana Yakubu
50. Maryam Abbas
51. Laraba John
52. Hanatu Nuhu
53. Na’ omi Bukar
54. Rifkatu Galang

BREAKING NEWS: The Co Mastermind Of Nyanya Bomb Blast arrested In Sudan [PICTURED]

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Wed, 14 May 2014 09:36:00 +0000

According to security sources, the co-mastermind of the April 14, 2014 bomb that went off in Nyanya, a suburb of Abuja, Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche has been arrested in Sudan.

Ogwuche was reportedly arrested through the help of the Military Attaché to the Nigerian High Commission in Sudan with the help of international security operatives.

The suspect is a student of Arabic Language at the International University of Africa, Sudan is a British born Nigerian.

Ogwuche was formerly in the Nigerian Army with service number SVC 95/104 but was said to have deserted the Army in 2006.

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday 12, May 2014 during a joint news conference in Abuja declared him and one Rufai Tsiga planned the bombing of Nyanya Motor Park on 14 April which killed over 75 people.

The DSS through its Director of Public Relations of DSS, Marilyn Ogar, announced the declaration.

According to the Department of State Security, Ogwuche served in the Intelligence Unit of the Nigerian Army at Child Avenue, Arakan Barracks, Lagos, between 2001 and 2006. He was allegedly involved in terrorist activities which led to his arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Nov. 12, 2011 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on arrival from the UK. But was however, released on bail to his father, retired Col. Agene Ogwuche on Oct. 15, 2012 following intense pressure from human rights activists, who alleged human rights violation.

Ogar, who announced N25 million rewards for anyone who could give information that could lead to the arrest of the duo, also paraded five suspects in connection with the bombing. Ogar named the suspects as Ahmad Abubakar, 43, Muhammed Ishaq, 30, Yau Saidu, 28, Anas Isah, 22 and Adamu Yusuf, a cleric, 43.

“Rufai Abubakar Tsiga, a Boko Haram leader, is the mastermind of the bombing of April 14, 2014 at El-Rufai Motor Park, Abuja.Tsiga was actively aided by a co-mastermind, Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche.

“The sum of N25 million is hereby announced as reward for anybody with useful information on their whereabouts,” she said.

The director said that on the night of 13 April, Tsiga and one Muhammed Ishaq, one of the arrested suspects, moved a vehicle laden with explosives to the Nyanya Park.

“In the morning of 14 April, Tsiga, under the direction of Ogwuche, moved the explosives laden vehicle to the position from where he detonated the explosives,” she said.

The DSS spokesperson said that the arrested suspects claimed that they bombed the park to retaliate the killing of a Boko Haram member at the park a week before the incident.

She denounced the claim as a fabrication by the mastermind of the bombing to elicit other members used for the bombing.

Ogar urged the public to be wary as terrorist elements were disguising and taking up menial jobs and parading themselves as businessmen daily in Abuja and its environs

Court Stops further Probing of former CBN governor;Sanusi by Financial Reporting Council

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 13 May 2014 15:43:00 +0000

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday restrained the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria from conducting investigations into alleged financial impropriety levelled against the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

In his ruling in a suit instituted by Sanusi to bar the FRCN from probing him, Justice John Tsoho held that given the circumstances, the FRCN had not complied with the provisions of the law.

In granting Sanusi’s prayers, the judge said that allowing the probe to go on could be likened to the case of the proverbial cockroach, which found itself in the midst of fowls.

He said the cockroach under such circumstance was presumed guilty, adding that “since prevention is better than cure” the court should rule against the proposed investigation.

He had urged the court to stop the investigation into the CBN records during his tenures as governor on the ground that FRCN had found him guilty before commencing the probe.

The judge said the commission had already reached its conclusion as to the culpability of Sanusi, given the commission’s briefing note attached to the letter suspending him as the CBN governor on February 20, 2014, and newspaper advertisement inviting him for the probe,.

Sanusi, through his counsel, Mr. Kola Awodein (SAN), insisted that the suspended CBN boss had not been given the benefit of fair hearing.

GoodNews: China Railway Unit Signs $16.3billion High-Speed Railway Contract With Nigeria

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 13 May 2014 14:43:00 +0000

Sorry for not been able to post any news this few days, I just got tired of all the negative stories happening around here.

Over two hundred girls are still held captive by the Boko Haram terrorist group, a video showing the abducted girls was released yesterday and the sect are demanding the release of their imprisoned members for the girls, the Borno State Governor has hinted he knows where the girls are been held-he got the intel!!! . And finaly the World Economic Summit that was held here in Nigeria was quite a success atleast I got to stay at home for 5 days.lol, just kidding.

So away from all the bad news, the China Railway Construction Corp has signed a US$13.1 billion (S$16.3 billion) deal to build a high-speed railway in Nigeria, as China’s pushes to develop fast rail and other infrastructure projects on the continent.

China Railway unit China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation signed the contract with the Nigerian government on Monday, according to a filing to the Hong Kong bourse on Tuesday evening.

Under the contract, the state-backed Chinese company will build a railway with a single track length of 1,385 kilometres (860 miles) and a speed of 120 kilometres per hour. The filing gave no details about where the line would be built.

The announcement came as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, during a visit to Ethiopia, unveiled extra aid for Africa totalling at least US$12 billion and offered to share advance technology with the continent to help with development of high-speed rail, state media reported.

GoodNews: China Railway Unit Signs $16.3billion High-Speed Railway Contract With Nigeria

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 13 May 2014 14:43:00 +0000

GoodNews: China Railway Unit Signs $16.3billion High-Speed Railway Contract With Nigeria

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 13 May 2014 14:43:00 +0000

GUNMEN INVADES PRIMARY SCHOOL IN NYANYA

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 06 May 2014 10:39:00 +0000

According to a report by Sahara Reporters,Unknown gunmen have attacked a primary school at Nyanya the scene of recent bombing attacks in Abuja.

Multiple sources within and around the Vine International Academy school toldSaharaReporters that the gunmen launched the attack few minutes before 8 am.

No pupil or member of staff was hurt, but the gunmen snatched the school bus.

“We do not know if they are members of Boko Haram or if they are robbers”, an official of the school said.

“The sad thing is that parents do not want to know if it’s Boko Haram or not. Many of them are coming to take away their children out of panic”.

Nyanya was the target of two bomb attacks that left hundreds dead and scores injured last month, and residents of the area are now living in fear of further attacks.

may GOD help us. Amen #bringbackourgirls

UPDATE: The stories initially had it that two schools were invaded - Ave Maria Girls Secondary School and Vine International Academy but here is the true story - Ave Maria was not involved. The school
proprietor of Ave Maria confirmed on phone that their school wasn't involved. But at Vine International Academy in Nyanya, their school bus was taken this morning by gunmen.

Vine International school's proprietress confirmed the gunmen tried to enter her school but eventually couldn’t. And NO child was taken away by them. Just their school bus.

Security in Nyanya really needs to be boosted cos residents are so scared. Someone living there, in Federal Housing Estate Nyanya,said that the government needs to bring in more troops into Nyanya, cos apparently, it seems Boko Haram has invaded the Nyanya environment.

UPDATE: According to statement on the Facebook page of the Nigerian Police force, the early morning attack on Vine International school was a robbery attack and not an attack by Boko Haram.

PHOTOS: WHO COULD DO THIS TO HER CHILDREN???

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 06 May 2014 09:20:00 +0000

According to a report by the The Nation, A woman; Mrs Toyin Abiodun who cooks, washes, bathes and defecates in a single room which she shares with her four young children has been accused of brutally assaulting them.
She beats her children with knife, cutlass, belt and iron. The boy pictured right is her first son and you can see all the marks on his head and face, and his dislocated arm.
permit me to ask, what on earth could make a mother hate her kids this much????

BREAKING NEWS: Boko Haram Leader, Shekau Vows To Sell Abducted Chibok Girls,says They’re His Properties And God has Instructed him to Sell Them.

gr8czarx@gmail.com (Chidiebere Egbuatu) — Tue, 06 May 2014 09:06:00 +0000

Boko Haram, an Islamic terrorist sect has on Monday claimed responsibility for the abduction of over 267 pupils of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, in Borno State which took place on April 14.

The Agence France-Presse quoted the leader of the sect, Abubakar Shekau, as making the claim in a video the agency said it obtained.

Shekau, in the video, also threatened to sell off the abducted girls in defiant response to the international outrage that greeted the kidnapping of the girls from their hostel.

Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the seizure of the girls barely 24hours after President Goodluck Jonathan told the nation that no group had claimed responsibility for the abduction.

Shekau was quoted to have said, “I abducted your girls. I will sell them in the market, by Allah.”

He spoke just as the Daily Telegraph of London reported that a former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is now a UN special envoy on education, led calls for Western governments to assist with the rescue of the girls.

According to the report, a Foreign Office spokesman said the government was in talks with the Nigerian Government and ‘security services’ but declined to say if that might include Special Forces, such as the SAS.

The United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, over the weekend also promised America’s help.

He said, “The kidnapping of hundreds of children by Boko Haram is an unconscionable crime and we will do everything possible to support the Nigerian government to return these young women to their homes and to hold the perpetrators to justice.”

When the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen Chris Olukolade was contacted, he said that the military authorities had not seen the said video.

He said that even if there was such a video, the claim would have to be verified.

Olukolade added that the military had been treating all claims and pieces of information relating to the abduction of the schoolgirls with the deserved seriousness.

The Defence spokesman added,“On the so- called video or message from the terrorists, let me reiterate the fact that the military is taking every information or claims on this abduction with due seriousness.

“This claim will also be studied although it will not distract the ongoing search.”

A source said that the move was part of a conspiracy to frustrate government investigation into the incident.

The BBC, also citing the video obtained by the AFP, also quoted Shekau as saying the girls should not have been in school in the first place, but rather should get married.

“God instructed me to sell them, they are his properties and I will carry out his instructions,” he said.

Assurances from President Goodluck Jonathan have done little to convince Nigerians of the government’s commitment to freeing the girls.

Boko Haram, which means “Western education is forbidden”, has attacked numerous places of worship and educational institutions in northern Nigeria.

The Associated Press said it was unclear whether the video was made before or after reports last week that some of the girls had been forced to marry their abductors, who paid a nominal bride price of N200.

Others are reported to have been taken across borders into Cameroon and Chad.

The girls were in their final year of school, most of them aged 16 to 18.

Shekau in the 57-minute video also insisted that the girls were no better than the “booty of war.”

The terrorist, who is currently on the most wanted list of both Nigerian and the US governments, said the abducted schoolgirls were no more than slaves that he could choose whatever he wanted to do with them.

He admitted that the girls had spent over 20 days in his custody and that he had not treated them any better than the “booty of war.”

Shekau who did not display the girls throughout the recording, said, “We would also give their hands in marriage because they are our slaves. We would marry them out at the age of nine. We would marry them out at the age of 12,” it depends on “our choice”.

The terrorist leader, who spoke in Hausa and Arabic languages interchangeably, noted that the girls were captured because they were seeking Western education.

“Western education is sin, it is forbidden, and women must go and marry,” he said.

The video, which had been sent to local journalists via electronic mail, could not however be independently verified