Leah Sharibu’s mother cries out as daughter turns 22 in captivity

 

Rebecca Sharibu, mother of abducted Christian schoolgirl Leah Sharibu, has issued an emotional plea for help as her daughter marked her 22nd birthday in captivity

Leah was abducted by Boko Haram on February 19, 2018, along with 110 other students from the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State. While most of the girls were later released, Leah was reportedly held back for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.

In a video released Thursday by Open Doors UK, Rebecca expressed anguish over the prolonged separation from her daughter, describing the pain as unbearable. Despite the years that have passed, she said her faith remains unshaken and expressed hope that God would one day bring Leah home.

She called on the international community, people of faith, and advocates of justice to remember Leah and others still in captivity for their religious beliefs, urging continued prayers and action.

Her renewed appeal comes amid renewed Boko Haram activity. Last week, the terrorist group reportedly attacked military bases in Borno State, killing soldiers and seizing weapons and ammunition.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with stakeholders from the Kogi East Senatorial Zone, blamed the resurgence of Boko Haram on a lack of political will. He recalled that the group originated in Yobe State in 2002 and said former President Olusegun Obasanjo had once summoned him to discuss strategies for curbing the sect’s rise.