Leah Sharibu Turns 23: Women's Group Renews Call for Her Freedom

The story of Leah Sharibu is a haunting reminder of the brutality of terrorism and the resilience of the human spirit. Today, May 14, 2026, Leah Sharibu turns 23, a milestone that serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the years she's spent in captivity. Leah's abduction by insurgents from Government Girls' Science and Technical College, Dapchi, in 2018, was a tragic event. Her story has become a symbol of courage, resilience, and the continuing tragedy of insecurity and religious persecution in Nigeria.

Leah Sharibu was just 14 years old when she was abducted along with 109 other girls from her school. Many of her classmates were released, but Leah wasn't, reportedly because she refused to renounce her Christian faith. This decision hasn't changed, and she's still being held captive. Her abduction and continued captivity have become a symbol of the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, where terrorist groups like Boko Haram have consistently targeted Christian communities. They're a major threat to the safety and security of these communities.

The Women's Group

A group of concerned women, known as Friends of Leah Sharibu, has been advocating for her release since her abduction. The group's leader, Mrs. Grace Osifekun, has been working tirelessly to keep Leah's story alive. She's also been pressuring the government to take action to secure Leah's release. The group has been in contact with government officials, including General Musa Christopher, the Chief of Defence Staff.

He's assured them that Leah hasn't been forgotten. They're still waiting for action to be taken, though.

Prayer and Advocacy

The women's group has organized a prayer campaign, with members praying for Leah's release on the 7th, 14th, and 21st of every month. They've also been engaging in advocacy efforts, including visiting internally displaced persons' camps. They're speaking to government officials, too. Mrs. Osifekun has expressed her disappointment with the church, which she feels hasn't done enough to demand Leah's release. She thinks they could be doing more to help.

Appeal to the Government

As Leah marks her 23rd birthday, the women's group is renewing its call for the government to take action to secure her release. Mrs. Osifekun has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying, 'Mr. President, I appeal to you and First Lady, Mama Remi Tinubu, to look at the plight of Leah Sharibu. Think of Leah Sharibu as your daughter.

Imagine what Leah Sharibu has been through for eight good years.' The group is urging the government to take immediate action to rescue Leah and bring her home to her family. They won't give up until she's safe.

The abduction of Leah Sharibu and other girls has had a devastating impact on their families and communities. Many of the girls who were released have struggled to reintegrate into their communities. Some have been forced to drop out of school due to the trauma they experienced. The women's group is calling for more support for the families of the abducted girls. They're also calling for the government to take action to prevent future abductions.

It's crucial that they do something to stop this from happening again.

The community is still suffering from the effects of the abduction. They're struggling to come to terms with what happened. The women's group is trying to help them, but it's not easy. They're doing their best to provide support and comfort.

As Leah Sharibu marks her 23rd birthday, her story serves as

a reminder of the ongoing struggle against terrorism and religious persecution in Nigeria. The women's group will continue to advocate for her release and to pressure the government to take action to secure her freedom. Leah's story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the power of advocacy and activism in bringing about change. It's a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together to fight for a cause.

'Leah Sharibu is a symbol of persecution of Christians. A lot more, as you said, have been abducted, kidnapped. But Leah stands out. Our case is so unique. It's because she stood her ground and said she wasn't going to deny her faith.' She's a true hero, and her story won't be forgotten.