While the search for over 200 school girls abducted from their school dormitory in Chibok, Borno state, continues, the US delegation sent to Nigeria have indicated that US troops may soon be deployed to Nigeria.
The US Congressional Delegation made up of Representatives Steve Stockman, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Frederica Wilson and Lois Frankel, revealed that they are waiting on a directive for the deployment of US marines to Nigeria.
They made the revelation at a news conference in Abuja on Sunday.
“We get briefed by the military and pending the approval of the government of Nigeria and our government, we plan to take action but I don’t think we are going specifics this time,” Stockman said.
He further added, “It was a classified briefing. We stand ready to help and as soon as our government and Nigerian government approves, we will take action.”
But in the meantime, US is helping Nigeria to train its military.
Jackson-Lee said, “What I want to say is that I think what it is right now is to work with the Nigerian government in training of the military. I want to emphasise again here that we have come all these miles to say that our Congress stands ready to cooperate and the government in a manner that is appropriate and with the consent of Nigerian government.
“And I want to emphasise the need for the Victims Relief Fund because there is so much suffering going on by the young girls and their families that have been touched by this violence.”
The delegation also asked the Nigerian government to establish a National Victim Fund. The fund they argued is necessary for the rehabilitation of all those who have suffered from the Boko Haram horrific violence.
According to Jackson-Lee “collectively we bring a wide range of special knowledge to Nigeria and to focus on a very important issue. We have come from the United States to focus on bringing the girls back and to focus on stopping the violence of Boko Haram.”
