Nigerian Cardinal hopes outcry over kidnappings can act as a wake-up call for government

(Vatican Radio) Relatives and friends of the abducted Nigerian schoolgirls are reported to have identified some of them from a video released by Boko Haram Islamist militants. The video posted on Youtube showed about 130 of more than 200 girls who were kidnapped a month ago from their school in North Eastern Nigeria. They were wearing Islamic dress and reciting Koranic prayers.
Nigerian Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Archbishop of Abuja, shared with Susy Hodges his feelings about the kidnapping crisis.
Listen to the full interview with Cardinal John Oneiyekan:
Asked whether he is optimistic that the kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls can be located and rescued, Cardinal Onaiyekan said he always remains optimistic and was also encouraged by the international media campaign over the kidnapping of the girls: “I’m hoping that it will make the Nigerian government and the Nigerian people really wake up to the seriousness of the situation we’re facing. Boko Haram is not just a Nigerian affair… as they can constitute a danger to the rest of the international community, especially the countries near us.”
Cardinal Onaiyekan went on to describe his reaction on watching the video released by Boko Haram showing the girls wearing Islamic dress and reciting prayers, saying he felt “deep distress” and “a terrible disgust.” He said Boko Haram underlines their “despicable crime” by “parading” on a video, the faces of these “very sad and distressed young girls.” The Nigerian prelate also said he was very concerned about the girls’ welfare during their captivity.
When asked what lessons can be drawn from this kidnapping crisis, Cardinal Onaiyekan said there is a need for the Nigerian government not to tolerate the “extremist positions” especially on religion that for some time now have been “pushed openly” by certain Islamic groups as this can help provide a fertile ground for a militant group like Boko Haram “to emerge and begin to thrive.”