Top news items in major Nigerian media outlets

The following are highlights of leading Nigerian media outlets on Tuesday.

-- President Muhammadu Buhari has declared his administration's readiness to continue talks with Boko Haram insurgents for the release of the remaining Chibok schoolgirls.

Buhari said he was prepared to continue the talks with condition that the insurgents will agree to involvement of international agencies like the International Committee of the Red Cross. (Daily Trust)

-- The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ibe Kachikwu said Monday that Nigeria has commenced negotiations with the Indian government for the release of 15 billion U.S dollars as upfront payment for crude oil purchase. (The Punch)

-- Cash-strapped National Assembly has resorted to bank facilities to pay its staff their monthly salaries and allowances. But the facilities do not include the controversial running cost paid to lawmakers, as well as the salaries and allowances for their aides. (The Guardian)

-- The death toll from the invasion of Godogodo in Jema'a local district of Kaduna State, between last Saturday and Sunday, has risen from 20 to 40, according to sources from Southern Kaduna Peoples Unions, SOKAPU, the umbrella body of the 67 tribal groupings of Southern Kaduna.

However, Kaduna State police spokesman, Usman Aliyu told Vanguard that he had not been informed of any figure higher than the Sunday figure of 20, but agreed that the casualty figure could be higher. (Vanguard) Endit