Nigeria's government has accepted help from the White House in finding the hundreds of young girls kidnapped by Islamist militants. (Via The White House / Pete Souza)
JAY CARNEY: "Time is of the essence. Appropriate action must be taken to locate and to free these young women before they are trafficked or killed." (Via The White House)
Three weeks have passed since militants from the Boko Haram terror group kidnapped more than 200 girls in northern Nigeria. The girls' families and supporters worldwide have grown increasingly frustrated by the Nigerian government's muted response. (Via BBC, CNN)
Tuesday brought news of another militant kidnapping. This time, eight girls were reported kidnapped from their homes in northern Nigeria to keep them from gaining a western education.
A leader of the Boko Haram group released a video this week, claiming responsibility for April's kidnapping and promising the girls would be sold as wives. (Via The Guardian)
As for the U.S. aid, America has offered its help before. On Tuesday, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan accepted that offer by phone. (Via Al Jazeera)
The U.S. team would be tasked with helping Nigerian forces find and prosecute the militants behind the kidnappings. This group would consist of military personnel, aid workers and hostage negotiators. (Via ABC)
White House spokesman Jay Carney did emphasize that, although the U.S. is offering its help, Nigeria itself is ultimately responsible for keeping its own citizens safe.
