Nigeria’s defense chief said authorities know the location of the more than 200 kidnapped schoolgirls but will not try to rescue them by force. President Jonathan’s government reportedly pulled out of a deal for the release of 50 of the girls in exchange for 100 Boko Haram prisoners. Senate President Mark has ruled out negotiation for the release of the girls. Suspected Boko Haram militants attacked villages in Adamawa and Borno, killing at least 44 civilians; and ambushed a military patrol in Plateau, killing four soldiers. A witness to a suicide car bombing attempt in Jos said a barricade prevented the bomber from killing 400 spectators at a sports viewing center. Defense Minister Obanikoro said the government’s requests for help in battling Boko Haram last year were ignored by the international community, and pointed to a January 2013 interview in which Jonathan warned that Boko Haram was a terrorist group.
