Gov stand-off on abducted girls rescue mission

There is apparent disagreement between Nigeria's military chiefs and its president over how to rescue nearly 300 schoolgirls abducted by Islamic extremists, with the military saying use of force could get the hostages killed and the president ruling out demands for a prisoner exchange.

 

Defense chief Air Marshal Alex Badeh announced Monday night that the military has located the girls, but offered no way forward.

 

A human rights activist close to mediators says a swap of detained extremists for the girls was negotiated a week ago but fell through because President Goodluck Jonathan refused to back it.

 

Community leader Pogu Bitrus of Chibok, from which the girls were abducted, says authorities are speaking with "discordant voices."

 

The girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram from a school on April 15.

 

-Sapa