The Leah Sharibu Foundation has called on the federal government to intensify efforts to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, who has remained in Boko Haram captivity for seven years.
Speaking at a press conference in Jos on Wednesday, the foundation’s president, Gloria Puldu, described Sharibu’s prolonged detention as a tragic and painful chapter in Nigeria’s history.
Sharibu was abducted in February 2018 along with more than 100 schoolgirls from Dapchi, Yobe State.
Unlike the others who were later freed, she was reportedly held back for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.
“Today marks exactly seven years since Leah was taken from her home and her eighth birthday spent in captivity,” Ms Puldu said. “Her continued detention is a national tragedy and a stain on the conscience of our nation.”
Ms Puldu urged President Bola Tinubu to uphold his constitutional responsibility to protect all Nigerians, regardless of their faith or region. She also appealed to the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and intelligence agencies to make Leah’s case a priority in their ongoing security operations.
In addition, she called on the ministries of women affairs and humanitarian affairs to provide psychological and emotional support to Sharibu’s family as they continue to endure her absence.