₦airaland Forum

naptu2:
They will say that they are going to do something. They will do what they say that they are going to do. They will boast and celebrate after successfully doing what they say they will do. Then, if there is a negative reaction, they will claim that it was done by Fulani herdsmen and DSS.

BREAKING NEWS !!!!!

FCT POLICE FIND MISSING SAFIYANU AMIRA; DEBUNKS THE KIDNAPPING OF 17 OTHERS BY ARMED MEN IN POLICE UNIFORM.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command wishes to categorically debunk the viral news of the alleged kidnapping of one Safiyanu Amira and seventeen (17) others who were reportedly abducted at gunpoint by Armed men in Police uniform on Tuesday 14th June 2022 at about 1:00 pm and to state that Safiyanu Amira is currently safe in Police custody.

While she is currently in the hospital receiving medical attention as demanded by global best practices, the investigation continues and findings will be communicated subsequently.

The Commissioner of Police FCT Command CP Babaji Sunday psc while commending the gallantry of the Tactical and Investigative apparatus detailed on the case, appreciated the members of the public for their calm maintained and the various degrees of useful information given to the Police.

He enjoined the good people of the FCT not to relent in partnering with the police, especially towards the rendition of information, to remain vigilant, and report any suspicious or abnormal occurrence to the Police through the following emergency lines:

08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883, While the Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) desk, could be reached on: 0902 222 2352,

ASP ODUNIYI OMOTAYO
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer,
For: The Commissioner of Police
FCT Police Command,
Abuja.

The Clergy and Politics

by CCRL | Aug 9, 2004 | Publications

Considering clergy 1 in general, political activity is not their responsibility, but that of the laity.2 Consistent with this, Canon Law not only commands clergy to acknowledge and promote the mission of the laity in the world,3 but forbids clergy to assume public office.4 Granted: clerics may, with the permission of their superiors, play an active role in political parties or trade unions in order to defend the rights of the Church or to promote the common good.5 However, this kind of activity is clearly exceptional, justified only when the laity is unable to act effectively without direct clerical assistance. Such circumstances have existed and continue to exist from time to time in different places, but they do not now exist in Canada.


Bishops 6 do not exceed their authority or competence simply by commenting upon political issues. Faith and morals are a bishop?s proper and primary concern. But marriage, divorce, pornography, abortion and euthanasia are all moral issues which are the subject of intense political debate; so is the just distribution of earthly goods. The Church has not only the right but the duty “to pass moral judgements even in matters relating to politics whenever the fundamental rights of man or the salvation of souls requires it.”7

Neither of these concepts can be narrowly defined. Among the fundamental rights which popes and bishops have defended, for example, one finds private property, life, health, religious freedom, the right to form unions, the right to a just wage and decent hours of work, and the right to be free of excessive taxation.8

The goal is to help shape public policy that is in conformity with the law rooted in our nature that governs us all no matter what our religious belief. Thus, politicians are called to try an ensure that the laws that govern us protect human life, respect the human person, preserve the unique nature of marriage, support family, ensure the safety of children, guarantee religious freedom and make it possible for all citizens to share in the conditions that are necessary for humane living.9

However, here we must try to differentiate politics in general from party politics. In some countries mostly in Latin America such as Bolivia, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico and others, priests are constitutionally barred from becoming presidents. Many priests in the United States contested for political posts in the past, something the Church frowned at due to the separation of Church and State. In the 1917 Code, it was stated that no clergy should contest for political office without the permission of his competent ordinary or superior. Finally, in the 1983 Code, the clergy were definitively barred from party politics (cf. Can 285 §3). This was an aftermath of John Paul II´s public condemnation of priests holding political offices in 1980.

Hence, the case of Fr. Moses Adasu contesting a gubernatorial post means not being in good stand with the Church. He was later reinstated. This was not the only case. In 2008 when Bishop Fernando Lugo became the president of Paraguay, he was laicised from the clerical state.

He sought the approval of the church to venture into partisan politics. However, the church withheld its approval, quoting section 287, paragraph 2 of the Canon Law, which states that the clergy are not to play an active role in partisan politics or in directing trade unions unless, in the judgment of the competent ecclesiastical authority, this is required for the defence of the rights of the church or to promote the common good.

However, Fr. Adasu insisted and ventured into partisan politics on the platform of the SDP, where he contested in the Benue State gubernatorial elections in 1991and defeated Mr. Ignatius Ayua of the National Republican Convention (NRC). He served as Governor, Benue State from 1992 to 1993.The military interrupted with the administration and Fr. Adasu returned back to the pulpit as catholic priest where he served at Adikpo and Ikyogen.

Priests have to tell people how to vote, not whom to vote for

Fr. Dwight Longenecker

Aug 11, 2016
CRUX CONTRIBUTOR


They say you should not discuss religion, sex or politics in polite company, so when a priest discusses sex or politics, two of the three explosive topics are on the table, and the third’s there implicitly.

It seems there are two places the faithful do not want their priest: the bedroom and the voting booth. Unfortunately, we cannot turn off our faith once we leave church. A priest’s duty is to advise his flock on every aspect of life-and that includes both sex and politics.

When it comes to politics, there are some clear guidelines. As a private citizen, a priest is entitled to speak his mind about candidates and say whom he might vote for, but he should be clear that he is merely voicing his own opinion.

In a priest’s official capacity, he should speak out against injustice, corruption, violence, greed and lust, and he should speak out against clear violations of human rights on particular issues.

Is is not only a priest’s right, but also his duty to speak out against Nazism, Communism, abusive Capitalism, Jihadism and every other ungodly ideology. Priests should also speak out against particular issues like war, capital punishment, abortion, slavery, unjust wages, and crimes against marriage.

If need be, a priest can speak out against a particular candidate when that candidate takes an open stance on these issues. He must be careful, however, not to speak against the person in particular, but against the candidate’s or their party’s positions.

Priests are called to be courageous witnesses in the public square, and church history is full of priests who have stood up to the powers of this world. Whether it’s Poland’s St. Stanislaus and Jerzy Popieluszko, England’s Thomas Becket, El Salvador’s Oscar Romero, Germany’s Bishop von Galen, they have spoken against the crimes of corrupt leaders and paid the price.

To put it simply, Catholic priests have a duty to tell people how to vote, but not whom to vote for. This sounds like a tightrope, but it is not a difficult one to walk. The rule is that a priest advises his people on issues and principles that inform their conscience as Catholics, and then encourages them to vote responsibly.

As Americans go to the polls in November, most are conscious of the two presidential candidates. Given their records, personal character and party platforms, it is difficult for faithful Catholics to be completely enthusiastic about either.

However, voters should remember that they are not only electing a president. A total of 469 seats in the U.S. Congress (34 Senate seats and all 435 House seats) are up for election. Also twelve states will elect governors, not to mention elections to state legislatures elections for mayor to major cities and a multitude of local elections.

The presidential candidates get the most attention, but great good can be accomplished through the election of reliable and virtuous congressmen/women and local and state officials.

To help American citizens, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has published Forming Consciouses for Faithful Citizenship a two part summary which can be used as handouts in parishes and are available on the USCCB website. Pastors and people should make use of these resources in order to choose wisely.

Catholic Bishops ban priests from engaging in partisan politics
12/07/2018

The bishops gave the order following the public altercation that ensued between Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka and Peter Obi.

The Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), ahead of 2019 general elections, has banned its members from participating in partisan politics including joining any political party.
CBCN gave the order on Thursday, December 6, 2018 in Abuja following the public altercation that ensued between Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka and the former governor of Anambra, Peter Obi, who is also the vice presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to the secretary general, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Ralph Madu, the bishops condemned the incident that occurred at the Adoration ground, Enugu, adding that without reservation that it does not have the support of the CBCN.

He said, "As has always been our stand, the Catholic church in Nigeria, as clearly stated in their August 7, 2018 directives, remains apolitical and does not support or subscribe to any political party. Our concern is for a peaceful election process seen to be free, fair, credible and just, and a democratic governance that guarantees peace, justice, equity, among others.

"On behalf of the conference, we wish to reiterate their obligation as teachers of faith and morals, to educate the faithful on their role in the political life of the country, mindful of the present charged political atmosphere of Nigeria.

"With the ongoing campaigns of political parties gathering momentum, we deemed it necessary to again remind all priests and religious to keep to the position of the church on the issue of nonpartisan politics."

He hinted that the Enugu Diocese where Rev Mbaka is incardinated is taking the necessary measures on the incident.

Madu added that, by obeying the Canon Law of Catholic, no Catholic priest is allowed to participate in partisan politics.

Mbaka, during a service on Sunday, December 2, 2018, declared that the PDP's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakawill fail in 2019.

The priest made the declaration following the refusal of the PDP Vice-Presidential candidate, Peter Obi to publicly announce a donation to his ministry.

CBCN Ban Political Endorsements
Published: 07 August 2018

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 issued a communique to ban all Catholic Clergy, Major Superiors of Institutes of Consecrated Life, and Lay faithful from publicly endorsing any candidate for political office. In an explicit press release, the CBCN stressed the Catholic Church’s apolitical nature especially with the tensed Nigeria’s political atmosphere.



The Nigeria political scene has seen a trend of key political figures switch alliance across varying political parties and urged their supporters to do same. Having observed all these happenings, the CBCN consequently declared that “no Catholic clergy or religious should publicly endorse any candidate for political office. Liturgical ceremonies must never be used as an opportunity for political campaigns. Similarly, ecclesiastical properties should not be used as places for support for any political candidate or party. All priests and religious should avoid giving the impression that the Church favors one candidate over another or one political party over another”.



Within the same proclamation, co-signed by Most Rev. Augustine AKUBEZE (President, CBCN) & Most Rev. Camillus UMOH (Secretary, CBCN), the Catholic Bishops’ Conference also claimed Nigeria is currently in distress and witnessing a difficult time in its history. Consequently, they went on to urge people of faith to work hard and pray for the future of the country. They also called on Catholics to recite the Prayer for Nigeria in Distress at all masses and other liturgical celebrations.



The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, is the organ of unity, communion and solidarity for the millions of Catholics spread across the thirty-six states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. It is the forum wherein the collegiality of the Nigeria Catholic bishops, as successors of the Apostles in union with the Pope, is expressed and where the idea of the Church as family is signified.

naptu2:
Here’s why senior catholic figures are cautioning Father Mbaka (By Naptu2)

(Please, don’t just react to the title of the thread or to what you think the thread is about or to what you’ve heard before. Try and take some time to actually read the posts and understand what’s written in them. Thank you).

Father Camillus Ejike Mbaka has caused controversy in the past 20 years by hobnobbing with politicians and predicting the winners of governorship and presidential elections. This led to serious controversy in 2018 when he had a verbal altercation with Mr Peter Obi, the vice presidential candidate of the PDP.


Many senior figures in the Catholic Church have often cautioned and criticised Father Mbaka because of his political activities. Here are some examples:

Father Mbaka Saga: ’Mixing Religion With Politics Is Dangerous' -Cardinal Okogie
https://www.nairaland.com/2087175/father-mbaka-saga-mixing-religion

I’ll Sanction Mbaka If He’s Under My Diocese, Says Onaiyekan
https://www.nairaland.com/2076678/ill-sanction-mbaka-hes-under

Adewale Martins: Mbaka May Be Barred From Preaching By Catholic
https://www.nairaland.com/5636777/adewale-martins-mbaka-may-barred

Some people have claimed that these bishops only criticised Father Mbaka because they support a different candidate from the candidate that Father Mbaka endorsed. Is this really the reason? Of course it’s not. So what’s the reason for their criticisms?

Basically, their criticisms are based on Canon Law. Canon Law is the code that guides the behaviour of priests and other ministers in the Catholic Church all over the world. Canon Law states that:

Can. 283 (3). Clerics are forbidden to assume public offices which entail a participation in the exercise of civil power.

Can. 287. (2). They are not to have an active part in political parties and in governing labour unions unless, in the judgment of competent ecclesiastical authority, the protection of the rights of the Church or the promotion of the common good requires it.

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_PY.HTM

These sections have always been interpreted to mean that priests must not tell voters who to vote for. They must not get involved in partisan politics that supports one candidate against another, except with the permission of their bishop.

This does not mean that priests cannot be involved in politics at all. Priests can criticise governments, condemn corruption, advocate that government should help the poor, etc. They can also vote in elections, but they must not tell their congregation to vote for politician Y or to vote against politician X. This is because it is believed that the Catholic Church exists to serve all people, no matter the party you belong to or what race you are and so the church must not be seen to be promoting one group over the other or dividing the congregation. Basically, the Catholic Church is politically neutral.

This is the reason for the criticism of Father Mbaka, because he seems to be supporting one candidate over another and this is against Canon Law.

Due to this, the Catholic Bishops Conference barred all priests from supporting politicians ahead of the 2019 elections (see second post below).

After the altercation between Father Mbaka and Peter Obi, the Church issued another warning to priests and banned them from allowing any politician to use any pulpit, altar or church property to make political statements. (see third post below).

This is a very serious issue around the world. The Catholic Church in America also issued directives to priests ahead of the 2016 election over there (so other posts below) and some Catholics in the US also complained (ahead of the 2012 election) that some priests and bishops were using their pulpits to campaign against Barrack Obama.


This is not the first time that the Catholic Church in Nigeria is facing this kind of challenge, neither is it the most serious case.

President Ibrahim Babangida appointed two Catholic priests to the Constituent Assembly in 1989 (this is not against church law). However, one of those priests, Reverend Father Moses Adasu, decided to get involved in partisan politics. He asked his bishop for permission to contest the Benue State governorship election on the platform of the SDP. The bishop (in obedience to Canon Law) refused to grant permission to Adasu. Father Adasu contested anyway and he was excommunicated by the church.

Father Adasu went on to become the civilian governor of Benue State from January 1992-November 1993, when General Sani Abacha removed all civilian governors from office.

Years later, Father Adasu was reinstated as a Catholic priest (the Church is meant to be a forgiving church).

BREAKING: Enugu Catholic Diocese Disowns Father Mbaka, Says Utterances, Attack On Peter Obi Divisive, Violate Church Laws

The Diocese described the vituperation of Fr Mbaka against Obi as unbecoming and divisive

BY SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORK
JUNE 16, 2022

The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has condemned and dissociated the diocese from the inflammatory political utterances of the Director of Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka against Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections.

The Diocese described the vituperation of Fr Mbaka against Obi as unbecoming and divisive, which it said breached canon 220 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law which prohibits anyone from illegitimately harming the good name of a person.

The statement titled: "disclaimer; Re: In Inflammatory Political Utterances By Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka," was signed by Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie, Chancellor/Secretary; Very Rev. Fr. Geoffrey Aguigwo, Vicar General and Most Rev. Ernest Anezichukwu Obodo, Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese.

The Church, however, warned Fr Mbaka to refrain from making further provocative prophecies or utterances capable of heating the polity. It advised the Catholic faithful to pray for peace during the elections and discharge their civic responsibilities by getting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and casting their votes to elect the right candidates.

The statement which was addressed to all the people of God and the general public, reads, "The attention of the Diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Callistus V.C. Onaga, and the Catholic

Diocese of Enugu has been drawn to the inflammatory political utterances by Rev. Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka, the Director of Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy Enugu, on Wednesday, 15 June 2022 during his Wednesday Adoration Programme.

"Fr. Mbaka during his preaching attacked the good reputation of Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, describing him as "a stingy man" and as "a joker", contrary to canon 220 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law which prohibits anyone from illegitimately harming the good name of a person.

"He also made fun of the Labour Party and vowed that Mr. Obi could not be the president of Nigeria.

"This is a clear violation of the provisions of canon 287 $2 which forbids priests from engaging in partisan politics.

"The Catholic Diocese of Enugu hereby condemns and dissociates herself from such unbecoming and divisive utterances from Fr. Mbaka.
"We notify the general public that Fr. Mbaka's views on the matter are entirely personal to him and do not represent the position of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu.

"In an effort to keep him united to the Body of Christ, we enjoin him to refrain from making further provocative prophecies or utterances capable of heating up the polity. We assure the people of God and the general public that the Catholic Diocese of Enugu is taking the due canonical process.

"Finally, we urge all the People of God to continue to pray for peaceful elections and to discharge their civic responsibilities by getting their Permanent Voter Card (PVC) and casting their votes in order to elect the right candidates.

"May Our Lady, Queen of Nigeria, intercede for us."

IPOB Reveals ‘Identities Of People Behind Activities Of Unknown Gunmen’ In Southeast Nigeria, Declares Them Wanted

IPOB had in April vowed to disclose the identities of those behind unknown gunmen terrorising the southeast in the nearest future.

BY SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORK
JUNE 16, 2022


The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has released the names of people allegedly behind the activities of unknown gunmen in the Southeast and declared them wanted.

IPOB had in April vowed to disclose the identities of those behind unknown gunmen terrorising the southeast in the nearest future.

Emma Powerful, the spokesman for the separatist group, maintained that IPOB and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network, ESN, are not behind the activities of unknown gunmen in the Southeast.

He pointed out that atrocities are perpetrated more in areas where politicians are fighting, insisting that criminalities in the Southeast are carried out to implicate IPOB and ESN.

However, the group which released some names allegedly behind killings in the region, said since IPOB and ESN are often accused of committing the crimes, the separatist group would not allow the criminals to succeed.

This is contained in a statement released on Thursday by Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary.

He accused one Nkechi Kalu and her eight-man kidnap gang of committing crimes around Abia and Igweocha in Rivers State, saying they are not IPOB members.

He said their activities should not be linked with 'IPOB Family'.

IPOB also accused the Nigerian government and its security agencies of sponsoring people to join IPOB and ESN.

According to Powerful, this happened when their leader, Nnamdi Kanu called for the massive resignation of Igbo people from Nigerian security forces and asked them to join the ESN to protect their motherland against marauding Fulani terrorists.

The statement reads in part, "We the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the command and leadership of our great leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to reiterate once again that IPOB has never been part or behind the ongoing insecurity and criminalities in our dear region and against our people for whose security and safety the ESN was established.

"IPOB formed and inaugurated ESN to checkmate Fulani terrorist activities in the region and would never get involved in such evil and wicked acts as kidnapping for ransom.

"We are working towards exposing to the public those behind the ongoing criminalities in Anambra State, Enugu State and Imo State.

"Those behind these devilish activities are neither IPOB nor ESN members as always, unfortunately, ‘alleged’ and we cannot allow them to succeed in our land.

"In Abia State, particularly a certain Nkechi Kalu and her gang of about 8 kidnap gang (sic) operating between Abia state and Igweocha Rivers State are not IPOB members, they and their activities should not be associated with 'IPOB Family' membership.

"In Enugu State, a certain group of criminal elements turned themselves into enemies of the people, the names of their gang leaders are as follows; Chocho and Mazi Ejiofor are not IPOB members and anybody associating with them is a confirmed criminal. The above-named persons who were formerly IPOB members were expelled as a result of indiscipline and insubordination which is not tolerated by IPOB leadership.

"These men and women neither represent the cherished values for which IPOB is known for nor do they have any mandate to represent, transact, discuss, operate, or enter into any binding agreement for and on behalf of IPOB/ ESN.

"In Anambra State, our painstaking investigation revealed the kidnapping syndicates of gang leaders such as Mazi Chijioke Aloy Emechie (pastor), Uchenna Nnadi, Nwamami water, Michael and Mark Okpulor. These men are also not members of IPOB and do not represent the cherished values of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

"It is evidently certain that the above-mentioned persons were masterminds of kidnappings in and around Nnewi North LGA, Nnewi South, Ekwulobia Aguata and other places in Anambra State. Anybody that comes across them should treat them as the criminals that they are.

"The above-mentioned people who recently joined IPOB came with very dubious and criminal intents. However, our well-tested and trusted guiding principles exposed their ulterior intent and motive and unworthy of being part of the noble IPOB family and were therefore expelled to avoid contamination with disciplined members of IPOB.

"The public should note that the above-named persons were sponsored by the Nigeria Government and its compromised security agencies particularly DSS (Department of State Services) and Army personnel to join IPOB ESN when our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu called for massive resignation of Biafrans from the Nigerian Security forces and join the ESN to protect their motherland against marauding Fulani terrorist herdsmen.

"We have fought so hard and will continue to expose and dislodge these agents in our midst and in our land. Of note is that some of these vermin fluently speak Igbo language, dress as Igbo men but they are Fulani and their main target was to destroy IPOB and ESN members and destroy Biafraland. However, we promise them that they will regret their actions soon as we are ever determined to expose and confront them.

"Once again, these Criminals in different states in Biafraland are: In Anambra State are Mazi Chijioke Aloy Emechie (pastor), Uchenna Nnadi, Nwamamiwater, Michael, and Mark Okpulor. These people are disturbing and kidnapping our people in Anambra State and must not be allowed to associate with IPOB activities. The leadership hereby direct all IPOB members to take note and never to have any dealings with them.

"Abia State, operating from Abia State to Igweocha Rivers State are Madam Nkechi Kalu and her eight-man gang of kidnappers. They are neither IPOB members nor ESN operatives and anybody who see them must bring them down.

"Criminals operating in Enugu State include Mazi Ejiofor and Mazi Chocho anybody associating with these people are regarded as also criminal and not IPOB members.

"These people are declared wanted by IPOB leadership and ESN operatives, anyone that sees them or knows their whereabouts should report to IPOB leadership.”

We really need to join hands to stop jungle justice.

At 1810hrs today, people stripped naked a 53 year old woman (names withheld), started stoning her and were on the path of lynching her. This happened at Alasalatu, Mushin. The allegation was that she touched a baby and the baby disappeared. Police got there on time to rescue her. Lynch mob was dispersed with teargas.

Allegation has not been proven. No parent/guardian has come forward yet to complain of a missing baby in that locality today. She’s currently at the station. Her husband has been contacted. Investigation is ongoing.

Jungle justice is not the way to go. Say NO to jungle justice!!!

BREAKING: The ongoing offensive onslaught against terrorism in the North East recorded another feat today, 15 June 2022 as 204 Boko Haram fighters including their family members surrendered to troops in Bama LGA of Borno State. Profiling of the surrendered terrorists is ongoing.

Troops of 26 Task Force Brigade on patrol around Ngoshe in Borno State on 14 June 2022 intercepted one Mrs Mary Ngoshe and her son. She is believed to be one of the abducted girls from GGSS Chibok in 2014. Further exploitation ongoing.

Troops during clearance operations on 14 June 2022 intercepted another abducted girl from GGSS Chibok named Hauwa Joseph, who was kidnapped by Boko Haram on 14 April 2014. The intercepted Chibok girl & her baby are currently in a military medical facility.

Nigeria's army finds suspected Chibok girl abductee

Chris Ewokor
BBC News, Abuja
14:28 15 Jun

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2022/6/15/5a9ec1ad-3e78-4b68-8a9a-24dc5ff28bdc.jpg
The kidnapping sparked global outrage, with the campaign hashtag #BringBackOurGirls

The Nigerian army says it has found a woman believed to be one of the girls abducted from a school in the town of Chibok in 2014.

A short statement on its social media page said a patrol had intercepted her and her son on Tuesday around Ngoshe village in the north-eastern state of Borno.

She was identified as Mrs Mary Ngoshe - no further details were given about what had happened to her.

One of the leaders of the Chibok community, Manasseh Allen, told the BBC that they were waiting for more information to be able to confirm her identity.

A total of 276 girls were abducted by Islamist militants Boko Haram from the school in April 2014, sparking global outrage. Fifty-seven of them escaped from trucks in the first hours of their abduction.

Between 2016 and 2018, several were found or rescued in the Sambisa forest hideout of Boko Haram by the military, while 103 were freed following negotiations between the government and the militants.

More than 100 of the girls are still missing.