As speculation abounds regarding the fate of Leah Sharibu, an audio recording of her voice, along with a still photo, has surfaced in which she calls for the government to intervene. Family members have confirmed that it is, in fact, her voice.
In the recording, Leah says:
"I am Leah Sharibu, the girl that was abducted in GGSS Dapchi. I am calling on the government and people of goodwill to intervene to get me out of my current situation. I also plead to the members of the public to help my mother, my father, my younger brother and relatives. Kindly help me out of my predicament. I am begging you to treat me with compassion. I am calling on the government, particularly, the president to pity me and get me out of this serious situation. Thank you." (The actual recording is available here.)
The 15-year-old student was the only Christian among the 110 schoolgirls abducted by a faction of Boko Haram in February. Following negotiations, the others were released. Leah was held for refusing to convert to Islam in exchange for her freedom. The strength in her voice and concern for her family serve as a testimony of her unwavering faith and character.
The emergence of this "proof of life" has given rise to speculation that renewed negotiations may soon be underway. The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, in cooperation with other organizations, is calling on the Nigerian government to expedite her release, along with the remaining Chibok captives. We also call on Christians around the world to support Leah and her family in prayer. More information on these and other accounts of persecution in Nigeria is available here.
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