Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls Reportedly Shown in New Video

The authenticity of the video could not be immediately confirmed.

nigerian kidnappings
(Image credit: BBC)

new video released by the Boko Haram (opens in new tab) claims to show roughly half of the Nigerian schoolgirls for the first time since they were kidnapped roughly one month ago (opens in new tab).

First obtained by AFP, the video reportedly shows more than 100 schoolgirls praying in veils. According to Time (opens in new tab), the video's authenticity could not be immediatley confirmed.

Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau, who last week claimed responsibility for the kidnappings and vowed to sell the girls in the market (opens in new tab), said in this video that he would release the girls in exchange for Boko Haram prisoners being held by the Nigerian government.

The Nigerian government has come under harsh scrutiny for its slow response to the kidnappings. Human rights group Amnesty International claimed (opens in new tab) that Nigerian security authorities had advance warning of the attack on the boarding school but failed to prevent the raid.

Since the extremeist group claimed responsibility for the abductions, President Obama said the U.S. would send a team of military officials and hostage negotiators to aid in recovery efforts.

Click here for more information on the devastating Nigerian kidnappings (opens in new tab).