Abduction of school girls appalling – Canada

Canada on Friday described as appalling the kidnapping of more than 200 school girls from Chibok, Borno State by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members.
This was contained in a statement by Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, and issued by the Canadian High Commission on Friday in Abuja.
In the statement, Canada pledged to continue to closely monitor the situation and work with Nigeria to combat terrorism.
Baird said in the statement: “Canada condemns in the strongest terms the kidnapping of Nigerian schoolgirls, along with other terrorist acts committed against unarmed civilians, by Boko Haram.
“These acts are absolutely repugnant and will never be tolerated.
“We are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of these girls, including recent reports that suggest they may be forced into marriage by Boko Haram.”
The statement said Canada had made it a priority to promote the human rights of women and girls worldwide.
According to it, Canada has been working with the international community to end the practice of child, early and forced marriage.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with Nigeria to combat terrorism and secure the welfare of its children and youth,” it said.
The statement said Canada had on December 30, 2013 listed Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation.
According to it, Canada’s Criminal Code criminalises membership in and the transfer of money to support Boko Haram.