The Presidency has reassured Nigerians that Leah Sharibu, the remaining student of Dapchi Girls Secondary School abducted by Boko Haram terrorists in 2018 is alive.
Senior special assistant to the president, media and publicity, Garba Shehu, says the Buhari is doing its best and will not give up on the safe return of Leah Sharibu.
She has been in the custody of the terrorist group since February for refusing to denounce her Christian faith while her colleagues were set free.
Speaking to a group of journalists on Saturday, August 31 in Abuja, Shehu said: ‘‘Instead of giving up, the government is carrying forward processes that should hopefully yield her release by her captors.” Afe Babalola makes stunning revelation, says DSS not empowered by law to arrest The presidential spokesman was responding to worrying cycle of speculations on whether Sharibu had been harmed by her abductors. He told reporters that much of what is written about the girl in the press is false news.
Shehu said, “Lines of communications remain open with the kidnappers, ISWA, to secure the release of Leah Sharibu.
‘‘Contrary to false reports, she is alive – given assurances from our security agencies-, and the government is committed to her safe return, as well as all other hostages to their families.
“Kidnapping for ransom should never be encouraged. This means not capitulating to the demands of terrorists: refrain from rewarding their heinous crimes with payment.
‘’With the abduction of loved family and friends, the government understands how difficult these time are for them, but government is pursuing many options to ensure the safe return of Leah Sharibu.
“We must commit to law and communication, using the breadth of strategies at our disposal: legal initiatives, stakeholder cooperation, involvement of all relevant parties and the use of the latest hostage negotiation techniques.
‘‘Kidnapping for ransom is rising across the Sahel. We must – collectively – make sure we implement best practice to prevent it’s exploitation.’’
While calling on Nigerians to exercise patience, Shehu assured that the Buhari administration is fully conscious that any misstep on a delicate issue as this can be costly.
Last month, Rebecca Sharibu, mother of Leah, said she remains optimistic that her daughter will return alive from Boko Haram captivity, adding that she looks forward to that day.
Mrs Sharibu made the statement while reacting to a video released by Boko Haram where an abducted aid worker identified as Grace Taku called on Nigerians to help secure her release from the Boko Haram den.
