Leah Sharibu: Christian Girl still in Boko Haram Detention 170 + Days After for Refusing to Convert

“There was this girl called Leah, she is a Christian and Boko Haram didn’t release her with us because she refused to perform ablution and do prayer with us,” (referring to conversion to Islam), Fatima Mohammed who was among the freed girls told some reporters including Saturday Sun at Jumbam, near Dapchi 30 minutes after they were handed over to their parents at the heart of the town on March 20. Her friend, 12-year-old Khadijah Grema also corroborated the claim, adding that five of the girls died of exhaustion on the way into the bush on February 19.

A lot has been said and very little done since the above news broke out. Originally there was a lit of talk in response to the outrage that followed but eventually that withered away with waning public interest like we always do.

About two weeks ago however, an audio tape of Leah pleading for rescue was released along with a picture of her dressed up in a hijab. The story of Christian persecution in Northern Nigeria is not new and poor Leah is but a victim to a generational hatred that has been handed to the current.

The government claims to be doing everything it can, but the rescue of one girl continues to prove a harrowing task

Even. More disturbing is the passive nature of the citizenry, especially Christians – who should be fighting for her by pleading her case.
The harrowing voice of Leah is just another testament to the very real nature of Fundamentalism in the region with a seemingly growing trend.