Boko Haram are not religious - ANCWL

15/05/2014. Pupils from Pretoria Technical High School picket outside the Nigerian High Commission to show their support for the girls that were abducted by Boka Haram Picture: Masi Losi

15/05/2014. Pupils from Pretoria Technical High School picket outside the Nigerian High Commission to show their support for the girls that were abducted by Boka Haram Picture: Masi Losi

Published May 17, 2014

Share

Johannesburg - Boko Haram is a group of terrorists that is not supported by any religious groups, the ANC Womens League (ANCWL) said on Saturday.

“(Boko Haram) is vehemently opposed by all religious groupings including Islam and goes against the fundamental principles of the Islam religion by removing innocent children from their families,” the league said in a statement after a meeting in Johannesburg.

“We commit our solidarity to the women of Nigeria, both Muslims and Christians, in every effort possible for the safe return of the kidnapped schoolgirls.”

The girls were kidnapped from a school in Chibok in north-eastern Borno state on April 14 by militant group Boko Haram. Nigerian police have offered a reward of 50 million naira (about R3.1m) for a lead on their whereabouts.

According to the Associated Press, Boko Haram would reportedly sell them into slavery unless the government freed detained insurgents.

The ANCWL called on leaders and people around the world to unite in efforts to find the girls.

“We shall never sit back as spectators while our girls' human rights are taken away,” the league said.

“We will keep the flame of awareness burning by holding various events to highlight the plight of these girls until they have been returned safely to their homes.” - Sapa

Related Topics: