Chibok Girls/Boko Haram

April 14 will mark the five-year anniversary of the abduction of nearly 300 Nigerian schoolgirls by the terrorist group Boko Haram. While most of the Chibok girls either escaped or have been released by their captors, 112 remain missing.

There is an African proverb that says, "If we educate a boy, we educate one person. If we educate a girl, we educate a family - and a whole nation."

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement in response to White House allegations regarding her account of President Donald Trump's call with the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson:

"Despite President Trump's suggestion that I have recanted my statement or misstated what he said, I stand firmly by my original account of his conversation with Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Sgt. La David Johnson. Moreover, this account has been confirmed by family members who also witnessed Mr. Trump's incredible lack of compassion and sensitivity.

Please join Rep. Frederica Wilson and a bipartisan group of lawmakers for a roundtable discussion with two young women who witnessed their parents' deaths at the hands of Boko Haram and then were abducted from their homes by the terrorist group. Despite being repeatedly raped, forced to wed, and becoming mothers when they were still children themselves, these resilient young women are laser focused on one goal: completing their educations so they can live successful lives.

In a long-awaited victory, the U.S. House of Representatives today by a voice vote passed H.R. 3833/S. 1632, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (D-Florida) and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) to help combat Boko Haram.

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement on the release of dozens of Chibok Girls:

"I was elated to learn this evening that dozens of Chibok girls have been released three years and three weeks after being abducted by the Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram. My joy is bittersweet, however, because once the names of those freed have been announced, many families will experience a crushing disappointment that will be compounded by the uncertainty of whether their girls are even still alive.

Today we mark yet another sad milestone in the saga of the nearly 300 Nigerian schoolgirls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram on April 14, 2014. It is the 900th day that 218 of the girls have been held in captivity by what is now known as the world's deadliest terrorist group, a title Boko Haram earned for abducting, burning, raping, and butchering tens of thousands of innocent people.

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement today in response to the release of 21 Chibok girls after being held in captivity for 912 days by the terrorist group Boko Haram.

"I was elated to learn today that Boko Haram has released 21 of the Chibok girls who have been living in captivity for more than 900 days. According to news reports, the International Red Cross and the government of Switzerland helped to negotiate their release. In addition, it is believed that no Boko Haram terrorists were exchanged as part of the deal, which also is good news.