Eight years after Leah Sharibu was abducted from her school in Dapchi, Yobe State, her parents have renewed calls on the federal government to take urgent steps to secure her release. The renewed appeal comes as the anniversary of her captivity highlights the prolonged uncertainty surrounding her fate.
Leah was among 110 schoolgirls kidnapped by insurgents from Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, in February 2018. While most of the girls were later released, Leah remained in captivity.
Her continued detention has drawn national and international attention over the years. Advocacy groups and concerned citizens have repeatedly called for intensified efforts to bring her home safely.
Speaking on the eighth anniversary of her abduction, Leah’s parents expressed deep pain over the prolonged separation from their daughter. They urged the government to prioritize her case and explore all possible avenues to secure her freedom.
The family said the passage of time has not diminished their hope for her safe return. However, they stressed that the emotional toll of the long wait has been overwhelming.
Leah’s abduction occurred during a period of heightened insecurity in parts of the North-east. Armed groups had targeted schools, raising fears about the safety of students in the region.
Following the Dapchi incident, the federal government secured the release of most of the abducted schoolgirls through negotiations. Leah was not among those freed, and her continued captivity has remained a sensitive issue.
Over the years, various officials have stated that efforts are ongoing to secure her release. However, concrete updates have been limited, prompting renewed appeals from her family and supporters.
Her parents said they believe more can be done to bring her home. They called on authorities to intensify diplomatic, security, and intelligence measures aimed at resolving the situation.
The prolonged captivity of Leah has become symbolic of the broader security challenges facing Nigeria. It has also underscored the vulnerability of schools in conflict-affected areas.
Civil society organizations have joined in marking the anniversary by calling for sustained advocacy. They urged the government to demonstrate transparency and urgency in addressing the matter.
The federal government has consistently stated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens. Officials have also pledged to combat insurgency and restore stability in affected regions.
Leah’s parents said they continue to hold onto faith and remain hopeful for a breakthrough. They appealed to Nigerians to keep their daughter in their thoughts and to support efforts aimed at her release.
As the eighth year since her abduction passes, the case remains unresolved. The renewed call from her parents adds to ongoing demands for decisive action to end her captivity and reunite her with her family.
The anniversary serves as a reminder of the human cost of insecurity and the enduring anguish of families awaiting the return of loved ones. For Leah’s parents, the hope of seeing their daughter again remains undimmed despite the years of waiting.
