On Anniversary, Two NYC Lawmakers Urge Nigeria To Press Search For Kidnapped Girls

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President-elect Buhari. Will he have a better chance at tackling Boko Haram?

[Op-Ed]

As we mark the one-year anniversary of the tragic abduction of 300 Nigerian schoolgirls, we remember the families who are eagerly waiting to be reunited with the 219 girls that remain in captivity.

These young Nigerian girls are our children, daughters, sisters, nieces, and cousins. They represent the future of a nation so desperate for change. The unfortunate situation in Nigeria highlights a bigger issue that occurs on shores around the world – human trafficking. 

Though Nigeria is thousands of miles away, it is impossible for us not to feel the pain and heartache of those affected by this terrible ordeal. Our thoughts and prayers are with these brave, young girls who dared to pursue their education to change their community. We remain hopeful for their safe return and prepare to receive them with open arms and critical resources to aid in their full recovery.

It is the responsibility of elected government to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. We commend President-Elect Mohammadu Buhari for prioritizing efforts to locate these girls and eradicate the region of Boko Haram and their terrorist affiliates, but our international community must do more.

We need the men and women of our global community to take a stand against human trafficking. Women are not for sale or ransom – not now, not ever.

Tonight as New Yorkers see the Empire State Building lit purple and red for these girls, it is our hope that our city, state and country will renew the call to #BringBackOurGirls.”

 

Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo (D-Brooklyn), is a New York City Council Member and Chair of the Council’s Committee on Women’s Issues.

Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn), is a New York City Council Member Deputy Leader and co-chair of the Council’s Task Force to Combat Gun Violence.

 

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