Rescue Leah Sharibu, others now - Clerics

The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Yakubu Pam, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to do everything within his powers to rescue the abducted Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu, before the deadline given by Boko Haram.

Rev.Pam also appealed to the insurgents to release her and others in captivity, saying their families were in agony. He expressed fears that Leah may be executed as threatened by Boko Haram. “We have heard what the abductors have said, we are here together as religious leaders and traditional rulers to appeal to the conscience of the abductors of the innocent girls,” he said, expressing hope that the federal government would negotiate with the insurgents for the release of all Boko Haram captives.

The Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque, Sheikh Muhammed Nuru Khalid, said religious leaders were worried about all those in captivity, especially Leah because other Dapchi school girls were released by their abductors,

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammad, has reassured parents of Leah Sheribu, that government is doing everything possible to secure her release with two aid workers unhurt.

Muhammad gave the assurance when he led a government delegation that visited Leah’s family yesterday in Dapchi, Yobe State.

He said government had already employed both formal and informal channels to secure her safe release.

“Mr President is not leaving any stone unturned to ensure the safe return of Leah Sharibu and all others in captivity”, he said.

“We cannot disclose publicly some of the efforts being made to secure the release of Leah and others. But, we are appealing to them using both formal and informal channels to spare the lives of this innocent people”.

Leah’s mother, Mrs Rebecca Sharibu, said the visit had renewed her hope and thanked the president for his personal commitment to ensure her daughter’s freedom.

A sobbing Rebecca appealed the delegation to do everything possible to secure her release before the deadline issued by the insurgents lapses.

The Chairman Dapchi local government council, Alhaji Zanna Abatcha, said he was optimistic that Buhari’s administration would secure the release of Leah and others.