WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and member of the Subcommittee on African Affairs, released the following statement regarding the kidnapping of more than 200 Nigerian school girls:

“It is unconscionable that more than 200 young women attempting to gain an education have been kidnapped by the extremist terrorist group Boko Haram. Even more disturbing is the fact that they intend to sell these girls into slavery and forced marriages.  There is no question that time is of the essence. I urge the United States and our allies around the world to coordinate efforts to bring these girls home safely. Human trafficking is inexcusable, and Boko Haram must be brought to justice.

“I join many of my Congressional colleagues and people around the world in thinking of the families of the kidnapped girls and praying for their speedy and safe return.”

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