The abduction of hundreds of Nigerian schoolgirls happened over a month ago and Nigerian locals, fed up with the government’s slow response to the Boko Haram, are taking matters into their own hands.
According to the Grio, locals in northern Nigerian states have reportedly formed vigilante groups to fight Boko Haram, the militant group that abducted more than 270 schoolgirls. After hearing about a pending attack by militants on Tuesday, locals ambushed two trucks with gunmen, said a security guard. Approximately 10 Boko Haram militants were detained and several more were killed.
Nigerian citizens are dissatified with the efforts of the military, believing that not enough is being done to recover the abducted girls and prevent Boko Haram from striking again.
Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan, has vowed not to negotiate an exchange of the girls for imprisoned Boko Haram fighters as a recent video released by the leader of Boko Haram suggest should be done.
Nigerian troops are concerned that the terrorists may be better armed than the local government militias.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has revealed that FBI agents and a hostage negotiating team are in Nigeria now, providing technology and other materials. U.S. reconnaissance aircraft are currently flying over Nigeria in search of the abducted girls.
The call to #BringBackOurGirls is still going stong. Keep the conversation alive by using the hashtag or signing the petition calling for world leaders to get involved.