Dapchi: National youth group demands immediate release of Leah Sharibu

The National Youth Patriotic movement has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Leah Sharibu, the only student still being held captive out of the 110 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram in Dapchi town on February 19.

Leah, the only Christian among the abductees was reportedly still being held captive by Boko Haram because of her refusal to renounce her faith.

In a Press Conference in Lagos on Friday, spokesmen of the group, Danjuma Yakubu, and Femi Lawson said the decision of the Boko Haram group to hold on to Sharibu after the release of the other kidnapped Dapchi girls showed that their battle is against the Christians in Nigeria.

The group said it was disappointed that the federal government has failed to inform Nigerians on the reason why the girl wasn’t among the released hostages and why she’s still being held captive.

“The news of the release of the Dapchi girls is a good development. We rejoice with the parents of the returned girls, Yobe State, and federal government as well as all Nigerians.

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“However, it is painful to note that Liya Sharibu the only girl that still remains with the Boko Haram is said to be the only lady that refused to renounce her Christian faith.

“With this development, It is clear that the battle is against Christianity. Information has it that the Boko Haram people came into Dapchi town majestically to return the girls.

“According to the girls, they were released because they were Muslims. Is it a crime to become a Christian in Nigeria? President Buhari should tell the whole world.

“We, therefore, demand that the President Muhammad Buhari and all his security outfits should without delay facilitate the immediate release of Leah Sharibu.”

“We also wish to say that Pastor Prof. Yemi Osibanjo should not keep quiet as a Christian at this time, we encourage all churches to please mobilize prayer for the release of Leah Sharibu to rejoin with the parents unharmed” the further statement read.

The group also called on the International community to assist in the release of the only Christian girl being seized by the terror group.