11/13/18 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) – Leah Sharibu was abducted along with 100 schoolgirls in February 2018 by Boko Haram, a terrorist group predominantly located in northeast Nigeria. The schoolgirls were held hostage for multiple days, but eventually released, although Leah was kept behind. Once home, her friends reported that Leah, age 15, refused to convert to Islam causing Boko Haram to refuse to release her.
Recently, Boko Haram released a statement saying they plan on keeping Leah as a slave. Despite these claims, the church refuses to give up on Leah, continuing to pray for her safe return.
Rev. Romanus Ebenwokodi, who has been a part of several round table discussions in Nigeria regarding Boko Haram and Leah safe return, stated that the church “strongly believes that as long as Leah and others are still alive, it is possible to secure their release.”
“The church and Leah’s parents believe that God can make it possible for Leah and others in captivity to regain their freedom if we don’t give up,” Ebenwokodi said. “The hope in Jesus Christ, which is the hope of glory, has kept Leah’s parents going and sustained the church on her knees. We shall continue to pray without ceasing until this faithful servant of Christ and others like her who are being held captive are released.”
Since her abduction, authorities all over the globe have advocated for her release and safe return.
For interviews with Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
