As new rumours circulate about the fate of Leah Sharibu, the parents of this young Christian woman are calling for her release from captivity. While awaiting this hopeful outcome, they ask for continued prayers on behalf of their abducted daughter. Over five years ago, Leah was kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists, along with fellow students from a school in Dapchi, Nigeria. While many of the students were eventually released, Leah was retained in captivity for refusing to renounce her faith in Christ. Click here for more details. (Additional reports on her situation are available at our country report.)
Recent reports suggest that Leah had been forcefully married to one of her captors, but that he either died or they divorced. She is now supposedly married to another commander from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and has two children. However, these reports are unverified and may be designed as propaganda intended to further distress the Christian community.
In light of these unsubstantiated rumours, a statement was recently issued on behalf of Leah's parents, Nathan and Rebecca Sharibu, in which the couple expressed: "Why should we believe these local security sources? If they have intelligence on Leah's whereabouts and any information, then where are the Nigerian armed forces? Why isn't the government involved in securing her release?" Their statement continues with the following heart-felt plea: "Our family remains grief-stricken by our daughter's capture and ongoing imprisonment. We demand the rescue of Leah Sharibu and all others who are in captivity [and] in the hands of terrorists."
Whatever situation Leah is presently facing, please pray that God will sustain her with daily courage, comfort and strength. Pray that those responsible for her kidnapping would be located and justly prosecuted, and that Leah will finally be free to return to her distraught family and Christian community. Continue to remember the many other innocent followers of Jesus who are currently being held against their wills by various militant groups in Nigeria.
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