Bahamian leaders have joined the growing number of people from around the world to condemn the abduction of more than 200 girls in Nigeria and to call for their safe return.

Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell on Saturday said The Bahamas government joins with the world in demanding the return of the 200 Nigerian girls abducted from their school.

He added that a note of support will be communicated to the government of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Free National Movement (FNM) Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner used an address at a Mother’s Day event on Long Island to express her support for the social media launched campaign to generate awareness about the abduction of the girls, “Bring Back Our Girls.”

“We must stand in solidarity with the people of Nigeria and the global community in our outrage that young girls are being attacked and kidnapped because they are seeking to educate themselves and to participate fully in the development of their countries,” Mrs. Butler-Turner said.

“Throughout the world, girls and young women are being denied their God-given and human rights to develop their talents and to pursue their dreams as full participants in the human family.”

There has been strong global outrage to the incident since the girls’ abduction was reported back on April 14.
Thousands of people have staged rallies across most major cities around the world to bring attention the plight of the young women and girls.

US First Lady Michelle Obama, in unprecedented move Saturday, took over her husband’s weekly radio and internet address, to lend her voice to those calling for the safe return of the students.

The girls and young women were abducted during a raid on the capital city of Abuja by members of the militant organisation Boko Haram.

More than 300 young women and girls were initially kidnapped, but 53 reportedly escaped and 270 remain held captives.