Nigerian Parents: Our Girls are Still Missing
12-31-1969
Six months ago on April 14, armed members of the terrorist group Boko Haram kidnapped 276 girls from their school in Abuja, Nigeria. Since then, 57 of the girls have managed to escape.
But despite an international social media campaign using the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls, 219 are still missing.
Some families are losing hope and say the Nigerian government is not doing enough to help secure the girls' rescue.
"We don't feel Nigeria can help get our daughters back," one woman said.
The country's president, Goodluck Jonathan, says the radical group is waging war on his country but the security of his nation is not negotiable.
He has turned down a demand from the terror group that he release prisoners in exchange for the girls.
Protesters marched outside the residence of President Jonathan urging the government to take action and free the girls, Reuters reported Tuesday.
The Nigerian government is pleading with residents for trust as it unveils a new plan of action.
On Tuesday, the White House issued a "fact sheet" on its efforts to help the Nigerian government "in its fight against Boko Haram," which includes imposing sanctions against the group.
Singer Alicia Keys is also lending her star power to the cause.
She joined demonstrators Tuesday at the Nigerian consulate in New York to raise awareness about the missing girls.
"Well, today is my son's birthday and it is also making me stand in solidarity with all the mothers of the Chibok girls who have been abducted for six months and are still missing," she said. "And it is just outrageous that that's going on."
Keys and the other protesters chanted "bring back our girls" with the hope that the world doesn't abandon the girls
"...There hasn't been progress because the girls aren't back," Keys said.
But despite an international social media campaign using the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls, 219 are still missing.
Some families are losing hope and say the Nigerian government is not doing enough to help secure the girls' rescue.
"We don't feel Nigeria can help get our daughters back," one woman said.
The country's president, Goodluck Jonathan, says the radical group is waging war on his country but the security of his nation is not negotiable.
He has turned down a demand from the terror group that he release prisoners in exchange for the girls.
Protesters marched outside the residence of President Jonathan urging the government to take action and free the girls, Reuters reported Tuesday.
The Nigerian government is pleading with residents for trust as it unveils a new plan of action.
On Tuesday, the White House issued a "fact sheet" on its efforts to help the Nigerian government "in its fight against Boko Haram," which includes imposing sanctions against the group.
Singer Alicia Keys is also lending her star power to the cause.
She joined demonstrators Tuesday at the Nigerian consulate in New York to raise awareness about the missing girls.
"Well, today is my son's birthday and it is also making me stand in solidarity with all the mothers of the Chibok girls who have been abducted for six months and are still missing," she said. "And it is just outrageous that that's going on."
Keys and the other protesters chanted "bring back our girls" with the hope that the world doesn't abandon the girls
"...There hasn't been progress because the girls aren't back," Keys said.
About The Author
Charlene
Aaron
Charlene Aaron serves as a general assignment reporter, news anchor, co-host of The 700 Club, co-host of 700 Club Interactive, and co-host of The Prayerlink on the CBN News Channel. She covers various social issues, such as abortion, gender identity, race relations, and more. Before joining CBN News in 2003, she was a personal letter writer for Dr. Pat Robertson. Charlene attended Old Dominion University and Elizabeth City State University. She is an ordained minister and pastor’s wife. She lives in Smithfield, VA, with her husband.
