Chibok Girls Have Emotional Reunion with Families

Twenty-one girls were reunited with their families Sunday after being released by the Islamic extremist group, Boko Haram.

It has been more than two years since the young women have seen their loved ones.

"We never imagined that we would see this day but, with the help of God, we were able to come out of enslavement," one girl said.

"We thank God. I never thought I was going to see my daughter again, but here she is... Those who are still out there, may God bring them back to be reunited with their parents," one parent said.

According to BBC's report, one girl survived 40 days without food and narrowly escaped death at least once.

"We had no food for one month and 10 days but we did not die. We thank God," one of the rescued Chibok girls said, speaking in the local Hausa language.

Of the nearly 300 girls that were kidnapped in April 2014, 197 are still missing. Many of the kidnapped girls were reportedly Christian but were forced to convert to Islam during their captivity.

Nigerian authorities denied reports that captured Boko Haram fighters were swapped for the girls. One security official told the BBC that four commanders had been freed.

The Associated Press also reported that a "handsome ransom" in the millions of dollars was paid by the Swiss government on behalf of the Nigerian government.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Information Minister Lai Mohammed said Thursday's release was "the first step" in freeing all the remaining girls.

"Already we are on phase two and we are already in discussions," he said Sunday.

Some girls have died in captivity.