A University of Wisconsin graduate is heading to Washington, D.C., today and using his Wisconsin connections in an attempt to rescue his nieces who were abducted in southern Sudan.

Gabriel Kou Solomon, who is currently attending graduate school at the University of Minnesota, will be traveling to the nation’s capital with three other U of M students with the hope of attracting attention to their situation.

Kou Soloman already has the support of U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and hopes to garner attention from southern Sudan's president Salva Kiir, who is meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice this week.

Daniel Bernard, who is with the U of M Institute for Global Studies, said Kou Solomon's nieces were abducted from their home on Oct. 3 by the Murle militia and the local police have done nothing.

The Murle militia, Bernard said, has abducted more than 450 children throughout the last two years. The children are then used to perform household duties and eventually marry the children of militia members.

"These guys just rode into town, stole the kids, and the cops — or so called — have no resources," Bernard said.

The girls, daughters of Kou Solomon's sister, are 3 years old and 18 months old.

Bernard said the 7,000-square mile area is patrolled by 90 police officers with no cars, walkie-talkies or cell phones.

"The state government is too scared to confront them," Bernard said. "The national government could, but for various reasons they have not so far. It looks like they might be about to, but that's a bad outcome for little kids who are literally caught in the crossfire."

Bernard said Kou Solomon developed a relationship with Baldwin during his time at UW and contacted her when the situation with his nieces arose.

"He met Tammy Baldwin and they stayed in touch," Bernard said. "So when the situation happened, he dropped a note to the secretary, and the person replied immediately, they wanted to help, and to be frank, that's the most helpful response we've gotten from anybody we've contracted about this."

With the help of Baldwin, Bernard said the U of M students are hoping to meet with President Kiir and encourage him to take action to resolve the situation.

Jerilyn Goodman, spokesperson for Baldwin, said the congressman is looking forward to helping Kou Solomon locate his nieces.

"The abduction of his nieces is a tragedy for him and his family, one that is far too common in that part of the world," Goodman said. "Congresswoman Baldwin is hoping for the girls' safe return and supports efforts to call attention to these atrocities."

Bernard said student attention for the situation spread on various Facebook groups, including one by UW student Rachel Licker.

Student groups at the U of M have also been supportive of Kou Solomon's efforts, Bernard said, as a petition garnered approximately 1,000 signatures.

Bernard said while in Washington D.C., the group of students also hope to contact Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., who has expressed concern over issues in Sudan in the past.