#BringBackOurGirls: Leah Sharibu & others in captivity

14 May 2019

Today marks 449 days of continued captivity for Leah Sharibu since her abduction alongside her schoolmates from the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College Dapchi, Nigeria. Today also marks 16 years since Leah Sharibu was born to a Nation that has failed to rescue her 449 days. Her peculiar situation arose from the fact that she sought an education by going to school in a country that has also continued to fail 112 #ChibokGirls in tragically similar circumstances. For Leah Sharibu and all others in captivity, each passing day without their return is indicative of the shortcomings of a government that has not delivered on its primary duty to ensure the protection of its citizens.

We see images of Leah Sharibu and we have heard recordings of her plea for rescue. However, what we do not have is a Leah Sharibu whose freedom we can celebrate. Today is an opportunity for reflection and renewal amidst the ongoing tragedy. Justice of rescue requires that no effort is spared in the rescue of all who are in captivity. As long as there is life, there is hope. And so, we call on everyone that stands on the side of empathy and humanity to stand together, against terrorism, in demanding that Leah Sharibu, the #ChibokGirls and all others in captivity be given the dignity of freedom.

Signed: For and on behalf of #BringBackOurGirls

Florence Ozor
Gapani Yanga
Nifemi Onifade