Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Co-Chairmen Express Outrage Over Boko Haram Kidnappings in Nigeria

Washington — Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission co-chairmen James McGovern (D-MA) and Frank Wolf (R-VA) welcomed the announcement by Secretary Kerry that the United States will be offering military and law enforcement assistance support to the Nigerian government with the aim of finding and securing the release of the nearly 300 Nigerian schoolgirls that have been missing since April 14, after reportedly being abducted by Boko Haram, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization affiliated with al Qaeda. Congressmen McGovern and Wolf expressed concern that in the weeks leading up to this action, critical time has been lost in rescuing these girls — some of whom have reportedly been taken across Nigeria's borders to be sold into forced marriage.

The co-chairmen expressed outrage at this human rights atrocity, which has affected hundreds of innocent Nigerian girls and their families. This incident is the latest in the series of brutal attacks and actions taken by Boko Haram against innocent Nigerian citizens, including an attack this week, in which at least 300 people were reportedly killed in a northeastern Nigerian town. The co-chairmen believe the U.S. should continue to take every action to neutralize Boko Haram's terrorist activities and bring security to the people of Nigeria.

The bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission was established in the U.S. House of Representatives to educate Members of Congress on human rights issues and advocate on behalf of human rights defenders world-wide.