LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION condemning Boko Haram for its violent attacks,
particularly the indiscriminate targeting of civilians, especially women
and girls, and the use of children as fighters and suicide bombers

WHEREAS, Nigeria is Africa's largest economy, largest oil producer, and
most populous African country; and
WHEREAS, According to the 2013 Census, there are 299,310 Nigerians
residing in the United States; and
WHEREAS, According to the Migration Policy Institute from 2015 on the
Nigerian Diaspora in the United States, New York State is home to about
25,000 first generation Nigerians, and about 35,000 Nigerians live in
New York City; and
WHEREAS, Nigeria has significant promise, yet faces serious social,
economic and security changes, and as a result has been scarred by
ethnic, geographic, and religious conflict; and
WHEREAS, Boko Haram, often translated as "Western education is forbid-
den," a small Sunni Islamic sect emerged in Nigeria 10 years ago, and
has pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State, advocates a strict
interpretation and implementation of Islamic Law; and
WHEREAS, In the town of Chibok, on the night of April 14-15, 2014,
Boko Haram kidnapped 276 school girls from the Government Secondary
School, and parents who were certain that they would see their children
again, continue to mourn their disappearance; and
WHEREAS, When the girls were first kidnapped, concerned people from
around the world rallied around the hashtag BringBackOurGirls, and the
families of the girls at the Bring Back Our Girls headquarters in Abuja
continue to march and rally everyday even as these other voices have
faded; and
WHEREAS, Under the auspices of the Nigerian head of state, Muhammadu
Buhari, efforts had been made to rescue the girls, with the assistance
of allies; as of this writing it has been 775 days and they have not
been returned; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Frederica Wilson, representing the 24th
District of Florida, introduced House Resolution 147, supporting efforts
to bring an end to violence perpetuated by Boko Haram, and urging the
Government of Nigeria to conduct transparent, peaceful, and credible
elections; she has gathered her colleagues in the United States Congress
every Wednesday asking them to wear red to remind the world that the
majority of the Chibok school girls are still missing, and must be
brought back home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
condemn Boko Haram for its violent attacks, particularly the indiscrimi-
nate targeting of civilians, especially women and girls, and the use of
children as fighters and suicide bombers; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to stand with the
people of Nigeria in their right to live free from fear or intimidation
by state or non-state actors, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or
regional affiliation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to urge the Govern-
ment of Nigeria to prioritize the security and well-being of Nigerians
vulnerable to Boko Haram attacks, as well as urge the Government of
Nigeria to implement a comprehensive, civilian focused response to
defeat Boko Haram that addresses political, economic and social griev-
ances of citizens in the north, recognizing security forces are intended
to protect the safety and security of all citizens equally.