In February 2018, Boko Haram militants raided a girls' school in Dapchi, Yobe State, kidnapping 110 students. A month later, it was reported that five of the schoolgirls had died in captivity and all but one of the surviving students were released. The remaining victim, Leah Sharibu, continued to be held captive because she refused to renounce her Christian faith and convert to Islam (see this report). Since that time, various reports have surfaced indicating that Leah is still alive. A report in May 2021 stated that she was forced into marriage and had just given birth to a second child (read more).
While threats from Boko Haram have diminished somewhat in recent months, Islamic militants remain a daily danger in Nigeria. In many areas, groups of armed Fulani herdsmen attack villages at random but often specifically target Christians. In 2022, more Christians were killed in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world. As the country faces national elections on February 25th, concerns have been raised on whether a change of government can bring positive results. The current president, Muhammadu Buhari, will be stepping down and the two frontrunners to replace him have vowed to defend religious freedoms. However, only time will tell if any real improvements will be achieved.
As we remember the fifth anniversary of Leah's captivity, we call upon Christians around the world to pray for the safe release of this young woman and her children. May the Lord continue providing this dear sister in Christ greatly needed strength, courage and hope as she endures captivity. Pray that Leah's family members will receive encouraging news of her condition and, in the meantime, be likewise reassured by God's peace and comfort. Additionally, please prayerfully remember the thousands of Nigerian Christians living with the threat of danger each day, asking the Lord to minister in their lives and ultimately bring healing and peace to their fractured nation. As the country holds its elections in the coming days, pray that the newly appointed leaders would be mindful of the need to strongly defend the rights of all people, regardless of ethnicity or belief.
Population
