The original content of Democracy Now! Headlines appears under the Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0 License (United States). For more, including their other shows and media, visit www.democracynow.org. October 20, 2014 Boko Haram Kills Dozens Despite Claims of Deal for Ceasefire and Schoolgirls' Release -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Nigerian militant group Boko Horam has launched a series of attacks killing dozens of people, threatening a ceasefire announced Friday. Hopes were raised after a government spokesperson said the deal would include the release of the 200 schoolgirls kidnapped for over six months. Mike Omeri: "The terrorists indicated their desire and willingness for peace and to discuss and resolve all associated issues. They also assured that the schoolgirls and all other people in their captivity are alive and well. Already, the terrorists have announced a ceasefire in furtherance of their desire for peace. In this regard, the government of Nigeria has, in a similar vein, declared a ceasefire." The Boko Haram never confirmed the truce, and some parents of the schoolgirls say they believe their hopes were raised in vain. .