Vigil for kidnapped Nigerian girls to be held in Brighton tonight

Activists will gather in silence tonight (Friday, May 9) to raise awareness of the 240 missing Nigerian girls kidnapped from their school.

Dozens of people are expected to gather for the candlelit vigil at the war memorial in Old Steine, Brighton, at 7.30pm.

It is hoped the spontaneous coming together will keep the issue at the front of people’s minds, while also showing support to those leading the search in the west African country.

The girls were abducted from their school more than three weeks ago by the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram – which translates as Western education is a sin.

The group’s leader has since threatened to sell them.

US President Barack Obama intervened this week and offered American support to the campaign to Bring Back Our Girls.

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas also wore a red ribbon on BBC Question Time last night as a sign of solidarity.