A press conference at Fresno State to decry the abduction of 276 missing school girls in Nigeria will be held at 5:30 p.m. today (May 12) at the Free Speech Area platform by the Igbo Women’s Association of Central California and several university programs. The girls were reportedly abducted on April 15 by extremist group Boko Haram. “As mothers, we stand with the mothers of these children,” said Miriam Sams, president of the Igbo Women’s Association of Central California. The Igbo people are an ethnic group from Nigeria. “We will continue to raise our voices in prayers until every child is safe at home.” Dignitaries such as First Lady Michelle Obama and celebrities like actor/UN Goodwill ambassador Angelina Jolie have called for the release of the girls. Today’s event on campus is co-sponsored by the Fresno State Women’s Resource Center, Africana Studies, Women’s Studies, the student group S.P.E.A.K and the Fresno State Title IV-E Program. Community groups include the Rape Crisis Services of Fresno and the Marjaree Mason Center. Volunteers can assist with making placards all day in the Women’s Resource Center in the Thomas Building, Room 110. INFO: Francine L. Oputa at 559.278.6946. BACKGROUND: USA Today report.
