The terrorist group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for abducting more than 200 girls from a boarding school in restive northeastern Nigeria.  The leader of Boko Haram released a chilling video in which he declares, “I abducted your girls. I will sell them in the market, by Allah”.

Militant leader Abubakar Shekau sent a video obtained by the AFP news agency, in which he boasts about the kidnappings while flanked by armed men and a couple of armored vehicles.  The video is adding to the growing outrage in Nigeria and beyond about the government of President Goodluck Jonathan’s apparent lack of concern.  There are new calls to mount an immediate rescue mission.

It’s now believed that 276 teenage girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram guerillas from their school in Chibok town on 14 April.  53 girls managed to escape, but 223 are still missing.

Meanwhile, Nigerian First Lady Patience Jonathan appears to be intent on giving Marie Antoinette a run for her money.  Patience ordered police to jail two protest leaders who came to see her about the crisis, apparently feeling slighted that the mothers picked representatives instead of coming to the palace themselves.  Patience Jonathan accused the women of:  fabricating the abductions; denying the abductions even happened; and accused the women of being part of Boko Haram.

Saratu Angus Ndirpaya of Chibok town and fellow protest leader Naomi Mutah Nyadar reportedly remain in police custody.