Ime Akpan
Fifteen-year-old Leah Sharibu has been in the captivity the Boko Haram insurgents since February 19, 2018 when the insurgents abducted her and 110 other girls from the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi in Yobe State.
One hundred and five of the students regained freedom on March 21, 2018 through a series of what the federal government described as ‘behind-the-scene discussion’ while five were said to have died of asphyxiation on the day of captivity and were given a mass burial.
But Sharibu, the only Christian girl among the hostages, was denied her freedom as she refused to convert as a precondition.
Yesterday, the 15-year-old who was just 14 as of the time of abduction, clocked one year in the insurgents’ enclave without any word of assurance from the government regarding her release.
Within and outside the borders of Nigeria, many expressed disgust at the government’s seeming inaction about securing the girls freedom.
Mr. Nathaniel Sharibu
“I wish to use this medium to appeal to the federal government not to forget my daughter, today marks her one year in Boko Haram custody.
“As family, we are pained by her continuous detention. I am optimistic that the federal government will secure her release. I thank God since she is alive, though I have not seen her but I am sure she is alive, one day she will get her freedom from the captivity.
Leah’s mother, Mrs. Rebecca Sharibu
“My Leah, it has been 365 days since Rebecca has seen or spoken to her daughter face-to-face.
“Leah was told to say some Islamic incantations before she would be allowed onto the truck. But she refused. She said, ‘I will never say it because I am not a Muslim.’ They became angry and told her if she wouldn’t denounce Christ, she would remain with them. Still, Leah refused. We watched Leah being left alone with the other members. We kept crying and waving at her ’til the truck vanis.
Senior lecturer, Department of Political Science, University of Jos, Dr. Gloria Puldu
“We are not in a position to evaluate what the government has done or not done. All the family is asking for is Leah’s release. Let the government keep to its promise. We want Leah back home just like the other girls from her school who were with her in captivity were set free. She should also be set free from Boko Haram.
“No news from the government or the terrorists; we just saw on TV, (after we held the press conference) the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, saying Leah was not dead but ‘absolutely alive’ and that was all we heard.
“No government official has reached out to the family to let them know if they are doing something concerning the promise they made in October or even what is happening with their daughter since they said she was alive (and not dead as rumoured in the past weeks).
“Remember, the family held a press conference on February 10, calling on all to petition God and government for Leah’s release. We will like to appeal to all well-meaning people not to forget about Leah in captivity. Here, we are today, she is 365 days in captivity.
“On this day last year, Leah Sharibu was kidnapped by terrorists while she was at school in Dapchi, Nigeria. She was taken along with over 100 schoolmates. One month later, the others were released, but not Leah.”
Chief executive, Christian Solidarity World (CSW), London, Mr. Mervyn Thomas
“Leah Sharibu has now been in the hands of this violent sect for 365 days and we are deeply concerned by the lack of government action to secure her release. We continue to call on the government of Nigeria to do everything in its power to expedite the release of this courageous schoolgirl, alongside that of her fellow hostages. We also call on the government of Nigeria to ensure that the army is sufficiently equipped to combat Boko Haram effectively, particularly in light of the surge in activity by both factions, and their threat to undermine the electoral process.
“CSW continues to call for the Nigerian authorities to ensure that the general elections are fair and free from violence. We urge the government not to resort to lethal force against those suspected of interfering with the vote, and to follow due process by arresting them and bringing them to trial. We also urge all those in positions of power in Nigeria to foster unity and to refrain from resorting to statements that divide already fragile communities and further damage the social fabric.”
Head, advocacy at Open Doors, UK, Mr. Zoe Smith,
“Leah Sharibu was kidnapped because she was a girl and held captive because she was a Christian.
“She personifies the incredibly vulnerable position of Christian women in northern Nigeria. It is saddening and outrageous that Leah remains in captivity, abused as a PR tool and negotiating pawn. We urge the Nigerian government and the international community to increase their efforts to secure her release and reunite her safely with her family.”
Chairperson of BBOG, Ms. Edith Yassin
“Why is the federal government silent, when will #Leah Sharibu, Alice Ngaddah, and the 112 #Chibok girls and all other abductees be free from the clutches of Boko Haram.
“Has government really ignored Leah Sharibu and other abducted girls?
Who will account for all the monies spent and, how long before government will realise that all lives matter?”
National President of CDHR, Mr. Malachy Ugwummadu
“No doubt, the pains and anxieties of such hope against hope have become excruciating to members of her family.”
“On February 10, 2019, her mother Rebecca, has yet again renewed her appeal and is now begging the federal government to do something much more concrete. On account of this, CDHR joins Rebecca Sharibu in demanding that the federal government fulfill its promise of securing the release of Leah Sharibu.
“Nigerians are enjoined to remain steadfast and focused on their demands for the immediate release of Leah and other captives, regardless of the present election demands. The primary purpose of every government in keeping with Section 14(2) b of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is the welfare and security of lives and property.
“Thus, if the lives, including that of Leah, for which government all over the world exists in the first place would be destroyed, then for what purpose will the government of Nigeria serve when constituted after election? We should hearken to the cry of a distressed mother and remain resolute and focused on rescuing Leah Sharibu and others in captivity.”
Dr. Paulette S.
Lord Jesus, I pray that you will have Leah’s angels to emcamp around her during this extremely hard time for her full protection. May you bring to Leah mind scripture that will strengthen her and may you strengthen her parents as well. May you make it able for Leah escape from her horrible Boko Haram. In Jesus I pray.
Susan Englund
Praying every day for leah that the lord will surrounfbher with His presence and protection so that no one can touch her or harm her in anyway. Help her to rise above her captors and be victorious knowing that Jesus Christ is her foundation and strength. In Jesus’ name.
Francis Eze (@akwukoe)
1 Year in captivity for her faith. Please say a prayer for Leah Sharibu #FreeLeahSharibu
Tope Templer (@TopeTempler)
Leah Sharibu… A Goddess Of Resistance… Remembered One Year After
On this day last year, you were captured with 109 others in Dapchi.
Ike (@Ikechukwu877)
The young Leah Sharibu… Its one year she was kidnapped by Boko haram. We hope for her return to her parents, & Nigerians.
Ezinne Obiora (@eezedaii)
Keep your fuel price reduction. Get Leah Sharibu back to her family.
Leah Sharibu (@Gentlejerome)
It’s one yeah Leah Sharibu was abducted. The government that does not care for her citizens is callous. She is our goddess of resistance. She understands who she is and knows what she can’t be. Leah Sharibu is true definition of strength.#FreeLeahSharibu pic.twitter.com/S9bbhEhvaA
Mrs. Janet Walch (@mrs_walch)
Leah Sharibu has been held prisoner by Boko Haram in #Nigeria since February 2018. Join the campaign to #freeleah https://t.co/PeO6rhVyl4
