The family of Leah Sharibu has tasked the federal government to ensure the release of its daughter, Leah from Boko Haram captivity before February 19.
It would be recalled that on Monday, February 19, 2018, Boko Haram insurgents invaded Government Girls Science Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State, abducting 111 of the 906 student population.
One hundred and five of the students regained freedom on March 21, 2018 through a series of ‘behind-the-scene discussion’ but Leah was not released because of her refusal to renounce her Christian faith.
Addressing the media on Sunday in Abuja, the abductee’s mother, Mrs. Rebecca Sharibu reminded the federal government of its promise to ensure the release and safe return of her teenage daughter.
She also recounted that President Buhari spoke with her on phone and gave her his assurance of Leah’s release which was backed up with the visitation of a high-powered federal government delegation that had three ministers led by the minister of information and culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed.
“I have come before you and the federal government to plead that you don’t forget Leah. The president spoke with me on phone and encouraged me not to worry, and with the assurance that my daughter will be released. Three ministers also visited me and gave me assurance but till today, I haven’t heard anything, hence my coming before you to plead.
“Leah is just 15 years old. The beauty of a promise is in its fulfilment. Please save my daughter. I plead with you to help me,” she said.
Also speaking, the ambassador, IFES World Assembly, Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam, said there was the need for presidential aspirants to tell Nigerians what they hope to do to ensure Leah’s release and that of others in captivity if she is not released before February 19.
He affirmed that the issue of religion is a human rights issue, noting that there is no reason for Leah to remain in captivity as a result of her refusal to renounce her faith and conviction without fear.
“We will love to hear from all the presidential candidates what exactly they are planning to do to bring Leah to freedom if for any reason she is not released before the 19th of February. We want to hear her name and story becoming a campaign issue.
“The silence from all the presidential candidates about Leah and others in captivity is not encouraging. So we are using this appeal and thus campaign season to hear what the presidential candidates have to say about Leah’s freedom. It’s important for all Nigerians and the global community,” said Para-Mallam.
