European Parliament resolution on Nigeria and the recent attacks by Boko Haram (2014/2729 (RSP))
22.8.2014
Question for written answer E-006324-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Bernd Lucke (ECR)
I have received some information from the association Serubabel e. V. (attn. Mrs Regine Möbius, Am Gerätehaus 3, 24644 Krogaspe, Tel. +49-4392-5190) concerning the fate of the girls abducted by Boko Haram in Nigeria, according to which this association had succeeded in purchasing the freedom of 79 of the girls by 6 July 2014 and 85 by 11 August 2014. A ransom of between EUR 400 and 450 per girl was apparently paid through the intermediary of an African preacher who is himself being held by Boko Haram. The girls are said to have been sent home two at a time, and their arrival home is said to have been confirmed from there on each occasion.
Does the Commission, the Council or the High Representative know anything about the fact that some of the girls abducted by Boko Haram have been released in return for a ransom, and is there any information about the number of girls whose freedom has successfully been purchased and/or about the amount of ransom so far paid?
Is it known, furthermore, who, or what organisations, are paying ransoms, and is the Serubabel association among them?
Is the European Union or any of its Member States trying in any form, directly or indirectly, to purchase the girls’ freedom? If not, why not?