President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his administration will redouble efforts to ensure the release Leah Sharinu, who has been in Boko Haram captivity for two years.
Buhari on Tuesday released a statement personally signed by him to mark two years anniversary of the abduction of at least 110 children of Dapchi Government Secondary School by Boko Haram Islamist terrorists.
All but Leah Sharibu were returned to their families as a result government’s negotiation with the terrorists. It was widely reported that the device to hold on to young woman following her refusals to convert to Islam.
Now aged 16, Leah Shabiru remains in the hands of the terrorists because she refuses to renounce her Christian faith.
President Buhari said he is working hard to get her released and enjoined Nigerians not to fall for the bait of the terrorists whose agenda is to foster religious conflict between Christians and Muslims in the country.
The President’s statement which was circulated to the media reads,
WE’LL CONTINUE TO SEEK AND SECURE RELEASE OF ALL CHILDREN AND CAPTIVES OF TERRORISTS – PRESIDENT BUHARI
On the second anniversary of Dapchi, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria makes the following statement:
“Two years ago, 110 innocent children from the town of Dapchi were taken, against their will, by the terrorists of Boko Haram. 107 survived the ordeal. Today all but one – Leah Sharibu – are returned to their families.
“Now aged 16, Leah remains in the hands of the terrorists – they say because she refuses to renounce her Christian faith.
“We say, as the government for and of all Nigerians, that no person has the right to force another to change their faith against their will and that all life is sacred.
“This government continues and seeks to secure the release of all children and captives of terrorists – and we do so regardless of their creed or the name of their creator.
“As we as redouble our efforts for Leah’s return, we can never allow the terrorists to divide us – Christian against Muslim, Muslim against Christian. We are all Sons of Abraham. And all Nigerians have the same worth and rights before the law, and before God”.
Signed:
Muhammadu Buhari,
President and Commander-in Chief,
Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Abuja.
18-02-20.
