One of the International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) which had its abducted staff released on Wednesday, Solidarites International, said no ransom was paid to the abductors.

A statement on Thursday by the organisation, while welcoming the release of five civilians abducted on December 22, 2019, by the terrorist group, said:

“SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL wants to state unequivocally that the organisation did not pay any ransom in exchange for this release.”

The statement read: “Our colleague is now safe and sound. SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL thanks both the State & Federal authorities of Nigeria for their efforts.

“In accordance with its humanitarian mandate, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL reiterates its grave concerns at the shrinking humanitarian space in the face of increasing humanitarian needs in North-East Nigeria. We firmly express our commitment to the principles of independence, impartiality and neutrality in humanitarian actions and urge all parties in the conflict to act accordingly.

“SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL condemns all attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers in the strongest possible terms and calls for the immediate release of all those who are still held captive from other incidents, including our fellow humanitarian colleague from Action Against Hunger (ACF), Grace Taku, and Alice Loksha.

“SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL also extends its deepest condolences to the families of those killed during the initial attack of December 22nd.

“SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL will continue to deliver life-saving water, sanitation, shelter and food security support to almost 300,000 people in Borno State. SI will also maintain the provision of emergency response services against cholera outbreaks in north-eastern Nigeria.”

It, however, reminded “all media to be extremely cautious about the information they publish around this event.”