(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) British Foreign Office Minister for Africa Mark Simmonds will visit Nigeria tomorrow to provide assistance to efforts in securing the release of over 200 school girls in northern Nigeria.
Following the abduction of over 200 school girls in northern Nigeria on 14 April, Foreign Office Minister for Africa Mark Simmonds will visit Abuja on 14 May for high-level meetings with Nigerian authorities to explore what further assistance and advice that Britain can provide in support of Nigeria's efforts to secure the girls' release and to deal with the threat posed by the extremist group Boko Haram, the Foreign Office said in a statement Tuesday.
British experts, in Abuja since 9 May, is cooperating closely with the government of Nigeria and other international partners to provide assistance to Nigeria in dealing with this abduction and addressing longer term challenges, the statement noted.
"This is a horrific and heartbreaking situation and the UK wants to do all it can to offer support to the Nigerian efforts to secure the release of the kidnapped girls," Simmonds said.
"We condemn the actions of Boko Haram and all that they stand for. Yesterday's callous and shocking video of some of the missing school girls will only make it harder for their families to deal with this agonizing ordeal," Simmonds added.
Continuing murders and abductions of school children, particularly girls in Nigeria by Boko Haram are a stark reminder of the threat faced by women and girls in conflict prone areas, Simmonds said.
"I look forward to discussing further ways that the UK and international partners can work with Nigeria in helping them secure the girls' release, as well as how we can assist with economic and developmental solutions to address Boko Haram in the longer term," Simmonds added.
Earlier, a spokesman for the British cabinet said that the cabinet discussed with Nigerian officials ways to make Britain play a bigger role in the rescue operation of the kidnapped girls.
The spokesman noted the US has already sent a recon drone to boost rescue efforts.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.