As the world observes International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality.”, the Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN) has issued a renewed and urgent plea for the Nigerian government to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, who has endured seven years in captivity.
Leah was among 110 schoolgirls abducted on February 19, 2018, from Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, by Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists. Unlike her peers, who were later freed, she was denied release for refusing to renounce her Christian faith, making her a symbol of religious persecution and the plight of countless women and girls still held by insurgents.
In a strongly worded statement, ACCoN, through its president, Adeola Ogunlade, condemned the government’s persistent failure to secure Leah’s freedom and that of thousands of other women and girls still in captivity.
“Leah Sharibu has tragically spent most of her adolescent years in captivity simply for holding onto her faith. It is unacceptable that, after seven years, the Nigerian government has not done enough to bring her home,” the statement read.
ACCoN called on the Federal Government, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to intensify their efforts in rescuing Leah and all other victims of abduction. The association described her continued captivity as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis and a grave violation of fundamental human rights, particularly the right to freedom of religion.
The group further emphasized that Leah’s unwavering courage in the face of unimaginable adversity should serve as a beacon of hope and resilience, especially for young girls in Nigeria.
“On this day dedicated to celebrating the rights and achievements of women, we must not forget Leah Sharibu. Her story must remain in the global spotlight until justice is served, and she is brought home safely,” ACCoN stated.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying the voices of the oppressed and advocating for peace, justice, and security in Nigeria, urging both local and international communities to sustain pressure on the Nigerian government until Leah regains her freedom.
