Congresswoman Frankel Condemns Nigerian Terrorists

Congresswoman Lois Frankel spoke on the House floor today in support of H.Res. 573, which condemns the kidnapping of female students by the Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram.  Congresswoman Frankel, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is an original co-sponsor of the resolution. 

In a video message, sent to news agencies earlier this month, the terrorist leader claimed responsibility for kidnapping the young girls, called them slaves, and threatened to “sell them.” The kidnappings are just the latest assault by the terrorist organization. Since 2011, Boko Haram – which loosely translates into English as “Western education is sin” – has killed thousands of people, including 500 students and 100 teachers, in attacks against schools, mosques, churches, villages, and government facilities across northern Nigeria.

Below are Congresswoman Frankel’s remarks:

What we have seen take place in Nigeria – the crimes perpetrated by Boko Haram – is simply unthinkable and appalling.

There are some crimes against humanity that cannot be tolerated, regardless of where they occur in the world.

The violent kidnapping of over 250 girls for the sole reason that they were seeking an education, is one such crime.

In the 21st Century, we cannot let this kind of horror against children go unanswered. 

I thank President Obama for sending a multi-disciplinary team to Nigeria – where they are working with the UK, France, and Israel – to help resolve this crisis.

I am proud to support this resolution condemning Boko Haram, and calling for continued US support to return the girls safely to their families and bring the terrorists to justice.