EDMONTON – A rally took place Wednesday at Sir Winston Churchill Square in Edmonton to raise awareness about the kidnapping of hundreds of girls in Nigeria.
Nearly 300 girls were kidnapped three weeks ago by the militant Islamic group Boko Haram.
The abduction is gaining world-wide attention.
The Edmonton event was part of the ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ campaign which aims at educating the public about the kidnapping and applying pressure on the Nigerian government to take action to safely get the girls back.
“It also encourages those who [are] on the ground in Nigeria, putting pressure on the government, that people around the world and in Edmonton are in solidarity with us.
“And, therefore, will continue in pushing forward for the Nigerian government to do more in bringing the girls home,” said Gerard Mutabazi Amani, the organizer of the Edmonton rally.
Boko Haram is threatening to sell the 284 girls into slavery.
On Tuesday, the Nigerian government agreed to accept some help from the United States, which will be sending military intelligence, along with hostage negotiators to help find and free the girls.
Canada is offering assistance to Nigerian authorities.
READ MORE: Nigeria kidnappings: Can online campaigning #BringBackOurGirls?
Along with the protests, the #BringBackOurGirls has gone viral.