Leah Sharibu still alive, we won’t relent on efforts to secure her release —Presidency

The Nigerian government says it is still working hard to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, a secondary school student kidnapped in Dapchi, Yobe State, by Boko Haram insurgents.

In a statement on Saturday by the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the government dismissed insinuations that Sharibu had been killed by the terrorists.

Shehu assured that the government was not giving up on negotiations for Leah Sharibu’s release.

He said, “Instead of giving up, the government is carrying forward processes that should hopefully yield her release by her captors,” he said.

“Lines of communications remain open with the kidnappers, ISWAP, to secure the release of Leah Sharibu.

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“Contrary to false reports, she is alive – given assurances from our security agencies-, and the government is committed to her safe return, as well as all other hostages to their families.

“Kidnapping for ransom should never be encouraged. This means not capitulating to the demands of terrorists: refrain from rewarding their heinous crimes with payment.

“With the abduction of loved family and friends, the government understands how difficult these times are for them, but the government is pursuing many options to ensure the safe return of Leah Sharibu.”

Leah Sharibu, who was a student of Government Girls Science and Technical Secondary School, Dapchi, was kidnapped by a faction of Boko Haram terrorists in February, 2018.

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