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Countries help to find Nigerian girls

Protesters gather in Abuja on May 6 for a rally pressing for the girls' release.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop released a statement condemning the Islamist militant group Boko Haram who are responsible for the abduction of the school girls from Chibok in Borno State three weeks ago.

“Australia is working closely with Nigeria on counter terrorism to prevent attacks such as the recent bombings that took place in Abuja,” she said in the statement.

“I have asked the head of Counter Terrorism in DFAT to contact the Nigerian High Commissioner in Canberra to raise our concerns and offer our support.

“Threats against the welfare of these girls by Boko Haram are appalling.”

US President Barack Obama said a team of experts, comprising of personnel from military, law enforcement and other agencies had been sent to the country.

“Obviously it’s a heartbreaking situation, outrageous situation,” President Obama told ABC on Tuesday.

In a video, Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram called the girls “slaves” and threatened to sell them.

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