•Remi, Leah and Tinubu
Renowned preacher and peace advocate, Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam, has urged the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, the First Lady, Mrs Remi Tinubu, to intensify efforts to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, who has been in Boko Haram captivity for seven years.
Leah remains the only student still in captivity among the 110 Dapchi schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram terrorists on February 19, 2018, reports Vanguard.
Speaking today in Jalingo, Taraba State, during the seventh anniversary of her abduction, Rev. Para-Mallam called on the international community to raise their voices and demand her freedom.
“Leah’s parents are still distraught and long to see their daughter again,” he said.
“We have consistently advocated for her release and that of others in captivity, yet she remains held hostage.
“Today, on the seventh anniversary of her abduction, we renew our call for the federal government to act. Since the new administration came into office, there has been total silence on Leah’s case.”
Rev. Para-Mallam revealed that Leah has spent 2,507 days in captivity and appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, to prioritise her release.
“We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to remember Leah’s plight and work towards bringing her home. We also urge the First Lady, who is a mother herself, to take up Leah’s cause. Leah will turn 22 years old on May 14, 2025.”
He also pleaded with Boko Haram to release her, saying: “May God touch your hearts and restore your sense of compassion.”
Rev. Para-Mallam called on the international community to use all available diplomatic channels to secure the release of Leah and others still held captive.
He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their resilience in the fight against terrorism and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
