Pelosi Statement on Kidnapping of Girls, Young Women in Nigeria

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the kidnapping of hundreds of girls and young women from a rural school in Nigeria. This afternoon, Leader Pelosi participated in a moment of silence on the Capitol steps to call for their release and safe return to their families:

"Today, the attention of the world has turned to the unthinkable tragedy of the girls and young women taken from their school and their families in Nigeria three weeks ago. The kidnapping of these innocent students is unconscionable; their capture and captivity is an offense to the conscience of the world; and the threat by Boko Haram's leader to sell them in the marketplace reflects the utter absence of humanity. These despicable acts must be condemned in the strongest terms possible.

"I whole-heartedly support the decision by President Obama, Secretary Kerry, and the Administration to deploy aid, personnel, law enforcement and military experts to Nigeria to partner with local authorities to find these girls and return them safely to their families. United, we stand by the global call to bring our girls back.

"Our thoughts and prayers rest with the mothers and fathers, siblings and loved ones, of each girl kidnapped and separated from her family. The attack on this community's human rights is an affront to the human rights of all men and women across the globe. The United States and the international community must not rest until we've secured the release of these young women and brought them home safe and sound."

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