Social media users have laid into the Federal Government as Leah Sharibu, one of the girls kidnapped from Government Girls Secondary School, Dapchi, Yobe State, marks her second birthday in Boko Haram captivity on Tuesday.
Sharibu, who remained in captivity while her peers were released for refusing to renounce Christianity and embrace Islam, turns 16. In August, 2018, a recording in which the teenager pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to come to her rescue was circulated on social media.
“I am Leah Sharibu, the girl that was abducted in GGSS Dapchi. I am calling on the government and people of goodwill to intervene to get me out of my current situation.
“I also plead to the members of the public to help my mother, my father, my younger brother and relatives. Kindly help me out of my predicament. I am begging you to treat me with compassion, I am calling on the government, particularly, the president to pity me and get me out of this serious situation. Thank you,” she had said.
Although Buhari had promised to ensure she is released, she is yet to return to her family.
“The lone Dapchi girl, Leah, will not be abandoned … President Buhari assures the Sharibu family that he will continue to do all he can to ensure that they also have cause to rejoice with their daughter soon,” a statement from Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, had read.
Twitter users have however criticised the government for doing the opposite.
“The only reason why you are not celebrating at home is because we have beasts living amongst us. Happy birthday Leah Sharibu. #FreeLeahSharibu,” a Twitter user said.
“Why we cannot win the war against Boko Haram or truly fight against with equipped army, why every Boko Haram arrested are being released not even prison swap for Leah Sharibu and her likes…because the fact is in the attitude and the truth is we have Boko Haram in governance,” another said.
“Seriously, so Nigeria’s government wants to claim that they do not know where Boko Haram is keeping LEAH Sharibu? Why are they still leaving the poor girl to the animals to be raped and abused? Or is it that they cannot raid their hideout and get the girl out? I don’t understand,” a user said.
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