Nigerian Presidency has said that it’s working hard to secure the release of Leah Sharibu from Boko Haram captivity.
The government disclosed that Sharibu, the kidnapped Dapchi secondary school girl in Yobe State in February 2018 is still alive.
“Instead of giving up, the government is carrying forward processes that should hopefully yield her release,” said Shehu.
“Lines of communications remain open with the kidnappers, ISWAP, to secure the release of Leah Sharibu.
“Contrary to false reports, she is alive given assurances from our security agencies. The government is committed to her safe return, as well as all other hostages to their families.
“Kidnapping for ransom should never be encouraged. This means not capitulating to the demands of terrorists: refrain from rewarding their heinous crimes with payment.
“With the abduction of loved family and friends, the government understands how difficult these times are for them. But the government is pursuing many options to ensure the safe return of Leah Sharibu.” NAN quoted Shehu
Recall that in July, there was a video where aid workers who were kidnapped in Borno appealed to the federal government for release.
In the video, there was a kidnapped aid worker identified as Grace. She said she would not want to share the same fate with previous victims Sharibu and Hauwa Liman.
Leah Sharibu was among 110 students of Government Girls Science and Technical Secondary School, Dapchi, kidnapped by Boko Haram.
In March, the terrorists returned the 104 abducted school girls except Leah Sharibu.
They reportedly kept Leah Sharibu because she refused to comply with their demands and convert to Islam.