International outcry over missing Nigerian schoolgirls increases.
More than 275 girls remaining missing in Nigeria, kidnapped, reportedly to be sold for a paltry sum of $12 per girl. Abducted from the Chibok Government Girls Secondary School in northeastern Nigeria, at least 53 girls reportedly escaped the mass kidnapping more than three weeks ago, while the remaining are still waiting for rescue. Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram has taken responsibility for the crime.
Families are losing faith that the government is acting to have their daughters returned/ columbian
In a sensational video circulating across social platforms, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau vows to continue kidnapping and forcing Christian girls into Islam and subsequently selling them into slavery. In an hour-long video translated by CNN, Shekau says, “I have abducted your girls. There is a market for selling humans. Allah says I should sell. He commands me to sell. I will sell women. I sell women.”
The kidnappings have spurred international outrage. Condemning the mass abduction of the 12-15 year-old girls, Canada has offered to provide surveillance equipment to Nigeria to help with the country’s search for the missing schoolgirls. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper called the kidnapping "truly a crime against innocent individuals.” He added, “Obviously there have been discussions between our government authorities in Nigeria, and we're willing to provide a range of assistance, and that offer, of course, remains open.”
The White House announced they were sending a team to Nigeria to help trace the missing girls. President Obama said, “You've got one of the worst regional or local terrorist organizations in Boko Haram in Nigeria, they’ve been killing people ruthlessly for many years now, and we’ve already been seeking greater cooperation with the Nigerians – this may be the event that helps to mobilize the entire international community to finally do something against this horrendous organization that’s perpetrated such a terrible crime.”
While the world is watching horrified, Nigerian government is under fire for doing little to find them. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan made a public statement finally acknowledging the kidnappings for the first time – 21 days following the abductions. He has at last accepted Obama’s offer of assistance in finding the girls.
Bronwyn Bruton, a democracy and governance specialist and deputy director of the Africa Center at Atlantic Council, said, “In recent years, the government's brutal crackdown on Boko Haram members has also resulted in a ‘huge number’ of civilian casualties, and locals do not trust the government or the military. When it's such a communication vacuum between government and locals, it really is a problem.”
Michelle Obama shows support, sharing #BringBackOurGirls/ mashable
Meanwhile social media is abuzz waiting on any news on the girls. The hashtag #BringBackOurGirls has gone viral, tweeted more than a million times. Women’s rights and education activist Malala Yousafzai, American first lady Michelle Obama, and several Hollywood celebs have joined the campaign in support of rescuing the girls.
Featured Image: rack.1.mshcdn
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
Self-Care Sept Part 2: Take-Charge Tools For Self-Care
-
You Won't Believe These Obstacles Women Face When Trying To Have A Baby In India
-
Self-Care September Part One: How To Set An Intention Of Better Self-Care
-
Mindful Ways To Help You Transition To The Classroom
-
Highlights From Calgary Pride’s Exclusive Interview With Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil The World’s First Openly Gay Prince
-
Here's How To Put The Past Where It Belongs
-
This Is What You Need To Know About Personal Chemistry
-
4 Hot Sept 2021 Back To School Tech Gadgets That You Need Now
-
Swipe Right If Vaxxed? Tips On How To Navigate The New Dating World
-
Step Back In Time With Partition Era Cuisine At 1947 London
-
This Is How To Stop Numbing Your Feelings And Let Go Of Past Hurts
-
Your Schemas: Understanding Maps Of Information We Create Throughout Our Lives
-
Stop Selling Yourself Short By Getting Rid Of Your Self-Limiting Thoughts
-
Want Some Paan Ice Cream? Scooperb In London Has The Best Ice Cream Treats
-
4 Hot Tech Gadgets That Are Out This August 2021
-
Exploring The Power Of Compassion
-
Fool-Proof Recipes For 3 Easy-To-Bake Desi Treats
-
Karim Nanji Of Marble Financial Tells Why You Need To Get A Handle On Your Covid-Debt Before Its Too Late
-
The Value Of Understanding How Others Can Reveal Who We Really Are
-
Naan Nachos, BBQ Naan S'Mores & More — Fire Up That BBQ For These Fab Desi Treats
-
My Multiple Sclerosis Journey: Three Ways I've Enhanced My Wellness Routine
-
Here's How To Make Our Faith Bigger Than Our Fear
-
Summer Reading List: These 6 Desi Books Are Perfect For The Beach
-
Indulge In The Best Indo-Chinese & North Indian Dishes At Sugar & Spice Lounge In Queensbury
-
Suffering Has A Purpose — Here's What That Is
-
Stay Cool & Feel Fresh With These Tropical Fruit Recipes
-
Take A Closer Look At What Angers You In Order To Be More Compassionate
-
Red Light District Workers In India Are Struggling To Survive Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
-
Is It Time To Cancel The Catholic Church For Their Role In Canada's Residential Schools?
-
Pride Is A Lifestyle, Not A Month: Mango Lassi On His Life As An ‘Openly Queer, Femme Man'
-
4 Hot Tech Gadgets That Are Out This July 2021
-
These Are The Reasons Why It's Important To Balance Grief & Gratitude
-
Cumin Crusted Chicken & More: These Recipes Will Bring Our Favourite Spices To Life
-
These Are The 7 Ways You Can Get A Good Night's Sleep
-
It's Important To Understand The Power of Saying "No"
-
A Mindful Guide To Understanding The Grieving Process
-
Check Out These Father's Day Recipes That Any Desi Dad Will Love!
-
PRIDE 2021 Special: Let Me Tell You My Trans Journey From Female To Male & How That Has Affected My Desi Family
-
This Is Why Malala Won't Marry Your Son
-
4 Hot Tech Gadgets That Are Out This June 2021
-
Let It Out Because These Are The Reasons Why Crying Is Good For You
-
PRIDE 2021 SPECIAL: 10 LGBTQ+ Voices That We Need To Listen To
-
South Asian Heritage Month 2021: #Reclaimingmyname — We Need To Stop Mispronouncing Our Name For The Benefit Of Others
-
Part Two: What Goes Up Must Come Down: Conquering The Cycle Of Panic
-
Part One: What Goes Up Must Come Down — Understanding & Navigating The Cycle Of Panic
-
Dine In Posh Pods At Ponsbourne Hotel Near Central London
-
South Asian Heritage Month 2021: 8 Desi Books That Will Create Teachable Moments For The Young Minds In Your Life
-
Meditate With Deepak Chopra & Alicia Keys Plus 4 Other Mindful Ways To Unplug & Relax Anywhere
-
The Ripple Effect: Why We Need To Pay Attention To Our Thoughts
-
Enjoy The Sunshine With These Fresh Drink Recipes That Have A Desi Twist
-
Feeling, Healing & Growth: Tips On How To Navigate Your Negative Emotions
-
OMG! Gulab Jamun Pancakes & Other Brilliant Brunch Recipes
