Leah Sharibu, the Christian schoolgirl abducted by Boko Haram in 2018, turned 22 on May 14, 2025, marking her seventh consecutive birthday in captivity, as her mother, Rebecca Sharibu, renewed pleas for her release.
Leah was one of 110 students kidnapped from Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, on February 19, 2018. While most of the girls were released shortly afterward, Leah was reportedly held back for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.
In a heartfelt message shared by Open Doors UK, a Christian rights group, Rebecca described the pain of seven years without her daughter as unbearable. Speaking in Hausa, she said, “The grief is still fresh. Each year without her is like living a nightmare. But I believe God can still bring her back.”
She called on Nigerians, the government, and the global community to continue speaking out for Leah and others still held by terrorists. “We need your voices. We need your prayers. Leah should not be forgotten,” she said.
Leah’s continued captivity has drawn global concern, with rights groups urging the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to secure her freedom. Over the years, unconfirmed reports have surfaced about her status, but no official update has been provided.
Despite international recognition — including a U.S. religious freedom award in her honour — Leah remains a symbol of faith, resilience, and unanswered questions.
On social media, the hashtags #FreeLeahSharibu and #BringBackLeah trended once more, as the world marked another year of silence and hope.
Leave a Reply