After hundreds of schoolgirls were kidnapped from a school in Nigeria three weeks ago, the U.S. has elected to step in and offer assistance.
USA Today reports that the Obama administration will send a team made up of law enforcement and military personnel to Nigeria to help out with hostage negotiation, investigations, intelligence and victim assistance. Over 270 girls were taken from a school in Borno State three weeks ago, a location where Islamic extremists Boko Akram are present.
This comes after reports today that eight more girls were kidnapped from another village, a move Boko Akram is suspected of executing. According to the New York Times, Borno police commissioner Lawan Tanko said there had not been any additional abductions.
Yesterday, Boko Arkam leader Abubakar Shekau released a video filmed on Apr. 15 where he threatened to sell the girls:
"By Allah, I will sell them in the marketplace," he states in the video, in which he refers to the captives as his "slaves." The video also features militants firing rifles in the air and crying "Allahu akbar!" or "God is great."
The abductions have drawn worldwide protests, drawing the attention of not only President Obama, but other world leaders. What's more, they've resulted in widespread panic in Nigeria, with parents reportedly scrambling to make sure their children are safe while at or en route to school.
[via USA Today and New York Times]
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