
President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, according to a statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) spoke with Mrs Rebecca Sharibu, mother of the Dapchi Secondary schoolgirl, Leah, who had been kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists, and assured her that his administration will do everything it would take to bring her daughter back home.
The President consoled the Sharibu family and assured the parents that the Federal Government would do its utmost for the safety and security of their daughter.
“I convey my emotion, the strong commitment of my administration and the solidarity of all Nigerians to you and your family as we will do our best to bring your daughter home in peace and safety,” President Buhari told her.
He assured the mother that his heart was with her family, as that of the entire nation which continues to pray for the safe return of “our daughter, Leah.”
However, in Ibadan, Zonta International Club, Ibadan, an NGO on Wednesday protested the continued captivity of Leah by the Boko Haram insurgents after 206 days.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sharibu was abducted along with 104 Dapchi school girls on Feb. 19. While others were released, Sharibu is yet to be released.
NAN further reports that members of the NGO were seen carrying placards with the various inscriptions some of which read: “Get Leah out now, “Ensure the release of Leah Sharibu and other Chibok girls now.”
The President, Zonta International Club, Dr Bisi Awosanya, urged President Buhari to ensure the release of Leah, safe and sound.
Awosanya said that the organisation had a primary objective to advance the status of women through the service and advocacy as well as promotion of well-being of the girl-child.
“It is in the light of this interest that we consider it very important for our association to add our voice to many out there concerning the disturbing plight of Leah Sharibu,” she said.
“We want the government to urgently find solution to kidnapping by training strong anti-kidnapping agents and generating jobs for the unemployed, especially the youth, to promote the fight against crime,“ she said.
She said that Zonta placed a special focus on the education of young women, because they would be agents of change toward equality.
“Zonta International envisions a world in which women’s rights are recognised and every woman is able to achieve her full potential in such a world.”
“We are calling on Nigerians to continue to pray without ceasing. The Lord in whom Leah has put her trust will continue to shield and protect her.”