Group reinstates demand for Leah Sharibu’s release, after 674 days in Boko Haram captivity

The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation has
reinstated its demand for the unconditional
release of the kidnapped Christian schoolgirl,
Leah Sharibu, who has been in Boko Haram
captivity for 674 days.
In its Christmas message titled “Re: Leah
Sharibu – Christmas in Captivity 2,” the
Founder/Convener of the group, Revd Gideon
Para-Mallam, called on President Muhammadu
Buhari alongside all stakeholders for
concerted efforts toward her release and
others in Boko Haram’s captivity.
The statement reads in part: “Christmas is a
time of celebration but not for Leah Sharibu,
the courageous Christian girl who will
unfortunately be spending her second
Christmas in captivity.
“Christmas is a period for family reunion,
fellowship and celebration in Africa and indeed
around the world. People are right now
celebrating but not everyone can celebrate.
“How can Leah celebrate Christmas in
captivity? How can Leah’s parents celebrate?
How can those of us who yearn to see Leah
freed celebrate?
“Feelers indicate that the Nigerian Government
is trying but her efforts have so far fallen
short. Leah is still in captivity nearly two years
on. This is unacceptable with a government in
place.
Quoting Isaiah Chapter 9: verses 6-7 from the
Holy Bible, he added: “I urge all, that we rise
again and do more to see Leah freed from her
Boko Haram captors as we enter 2020.
“Let’s work for Leah’s freedom; along with
several others like Alice Ngaddah, a young
mother of two, GraceTuka, Bitrus Zakka
Bwallah and several unnamed others.
“The conscience of the world needs to be
roused once again to work in a tireless manner
to see Leah and others freed.
“Where is the AU, UN, EU and other global
agencies who care about humanity? With all
your combined efforts and those of global
leaders, I believe something positive can be
done.
“It is inconceivable how the Nigerian
Government keeps talking with little or no
results so far to convincingly show Nigerians
and the world that they are capable of bringing
Leah home to her parents.
“It’s up to the President to show this rather
than tell! Tough talking does not set captives
free. But smart and tough action does! Let’s
not give up and surely, we must not give in
also.
“Leah Sharibu as at today December 25th,
2019, you have spent 674 days in captivity. But
be encouraged, one day you will be set free by
the special grace of God. Your freedom will
surely come.”