Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam, a respected preacher and advocate for peace, has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, who has been held captive by Boko Haram for seven years.
Leah remains the only student still in captivity among the 110 Dapchi schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram on February 19, 2018.
Speaking on Wednesday in Jalingo, Taraba State, during the seventh anniversary of her abduction, Rev. Para-Mallam called on the international community to amplify their voices and push for her release.
“Leah’s parents are heartbroken and desperately want to see their daughter again,” he stated.
“We have continuously advocated for her freedom and that of others still in captivity, yet she remains a hostage.
“On this seventh anniversary of her abduction, we renew our appeal for the Federal Government to act. Since the new administration took office, there has been complete silence on Leah’s case.”
Rev. Para-Mallam highlighted that Leah has now spent 2,507 days in captivity and directly appealed to President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Sen. Remi Tinubu to prioritize her release.
“We urge President Bola Tinubu to remember Leah’s suffering and make efforts to bring her home. We also call on the First Lady, as a mother, to champion Leah’s cause. Leah will turn 22 on May 14, 2025.”
He also made a direct appeal to Boko Haram, urging them to release her.
Furthermore, Rev. Para-Mallam called on the international community to utilize all diplomatic channels to secure the release of Leah and others still in captivity.
He praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their dedication in combating terrorism and encouraged them to persist in their efforts.
