A Nigerian journalist with links to the Islamist group Boko Haram has sensationally claimed that only 15 out of the 112 missing Chibok girls are still alive.
Ahmad Salkida claimed that he had negotiated, on behalf of the Federal government, for the release of the girls.
Several opportunities to have them released were missed, Salikda said.
A spokesperson for the government told the BBC that it is still in discussions with Boko Haram to secure the release of the 112 girls.
He argued that there is no reason to believe that some of the girls may be dead.
Salkida said the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan had asked him to negotiate for the release of the Chibok schoolgirls two weeks after they were abducted.
He said he had arranged for a prisoner swap on five occasions, but delays from the then government led to a breakdown in negotiations.
Salkida would not reveal the names of the remaining girls, stating that that is the responsibility of the government.
The 276 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram exactly four years ago, on 14 April 2014.
- BBC