Human rights advocates, religious leaders, and civil society organizations have renewed calls for the release of Leah Sharibu, who has remained in Boko Haram captivity for seven years. At an event titled “Leah Sharibu: Seven Years Captive”, organized by the Leah Foundation and streamed live on YouTube, speakers urged the Nigerian government and the international community to intensify efforts for her freedom.
Leah Sharibu was among 110 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram terrorists from the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State, on February 19, 2018. While her classmates were later freed, Leah was reportedly held back due to her refusal to renounce her Christian faith. Reports indicate that she has since been forcibly married to a Boko Haram commander, suffered inhumane treatment, and given birth to three children in captivity.
Speaking at the commemoration, Dr. Gloria Samdi Puldu, President of the Leah Foundation, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fulfill the promises made by the previous administration to secure Leah’s release. She emphasized that Leah has become a symbol of those denied education, religious freedom, and basic human rights.
“We demand justice for Leah, who represents the countless women and girls enduring captivity and persecution,” Dr. Puldu said. “Her continued detention is a stain on our collective conscience, and we cannot remain silent.”
The event featured statements from government officials, religious leaders, and civil society groups, all urging immediate action. Participants highlighted the broader implications of Leah’s case, underscoring the urgent need for policies protecting religious freedoms and the rights of women and girls in conflict zones.
Dr. Puldu called on international bodies to apply diplomatic pressure on Nigerian authorities to secure Leah’s release. “We urge the international community to hold the Nigerian government accountable and ensure that Leah’s story remains a catalyst for action,” she said.
The Leah Foundation and its partners vowed to keep advocating until Leah Sharibu is reunited with her family. They also urged media organizations, policymakers, and faith-based groups to sustain pressure on authorities and keep Leah’s plight in the global spotlight.
As the anniversary of Leah’s abduction passes, calls for justice grow louder, reminding the world that her case remains unresolved and demanding that no effort be spared in bringing her home.