House passes resolution condemning Baga attack

The House passed a measure by voice vote on Monday to formally denounce the attack from terrorist group Boko Haram on the Nigerian town of Baga.

Boko Haram militants launched an intense attack in early January on Baga and its surrounding villages in northeastern Nigeria that left as many as 2,000 people killed. The precise death count remains unknown.

{mosads}The resolution further expresses “concern” that Boko Haram announced an allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) earlier this month, which would be an ominous partnership for the region.

Lawmakers said the government of Nigeria needed to be more aggressive in fighting against Boko Haram.

“The Nigerian government has a responsibility to protect its citizens. But obviously, it hasn’t done nearly enough to confront this horrific group,” said Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

In addition, the resolution urges the Nigerian government to hold its elections without further delay and without violence on March 28, after pushing back the original date of Feb. 14.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-Calif.) argued that outcome of the presidential election in Nigeria, which has the largest population and economy in Africa, would have ripple effects across neighboring countries.

“The presidential election in Nigeria’s going to be critical, not just for Nigeria, but for the region,” Royce said.