Leah Sharibu's Captivity Reaches Eight Years; Parents Renew Calls for Rescue

Eight years have passed since Leah Sharibu was taken by Boko Haram, and her parents are once again urging the government to expedite efforts for her freedom. They have highlighted that Leah has reportedly faced forced marriage and had children while in captivity. The family has implored President Bola Tinubu's administration to take immediate and impactful steps to locate and liberate Leah. Furthermore, they have called upon the international community to enhance its support and apply greater pressure to ensure her release.

Dr. Gloria Samdi Puldu, spokesperson for Leah's parents and President of the LEAH Foundation, issued a statement on Thursday, reiterating the family's plea as Leah marks this significant milestone.

Leah Sharibu was 14 years old when she was abducted from the Government Girls Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State, on February 19, 2018. While most of her schoolmates were eventually released, Leah was allegedly held back due to her refusal to convert from Christianity.

The statement from the LEAH Foundation emphasized that February 19, 2026, signifies a painful anniversary for the family.

"As Leah enters her ninth year of unimaginable hardship, she is reported to have endured forced marriage, multiple childbirths, and ongoing suffering," the foundation stated. This information is reportedly corroborated by accounts from some girls who managed to escape or were released.

The foundation characterized Leah's continued detention as a matter of "national urgency and moral imperative." They underscored that her prolonged captivity reflects the broader security challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly the abduction and exploitation of women and girls by extremist groups.

Rebecca Sharibu, Leah's mother, has reportedly lived through years of sorrow and uncertainty, holding onto the hope of her daughter's safe return.

The LEAH Foundation has announced plans for a global virtual prayer session to commemorate the anniversary. The event, themed “From Glory to Glory, Eight Years … One Faithful God,” invites people of faith worldwide to pray for Leah's liberation and for all other girls and women still held captive.

Peace advocate Gideon Para-Mallam has also joined the call for the Nigerian government to intensify rescue operations for Leah and other abducted girls. He stressed the necessity of more robust actions against the persistent killings and kidnappings occurring across the nation.

The foundation concluded by urging global leaders, human rights organisations, and faith-based communities to amplify their advocacy efforts and hold accountable those responsible until Leah is reunited with her family.

After eight years, the family maintains that Leah's resilience warrants decisive action to secure her freedom.

Reported by Friday Olokor from Abuja.