Leah Sharibu’s brother moves to US following mother’s alarm

The younger brother of captive Christian schoolgirl Leah Sharibu has been evacuated from northeast Nigeria to continue his education in safety. US-based international human rights lawyer, Emmanuel Ogebe, disclosed this on Monday.

Leah Sharibu is the sole remaining hostage of the Dapchi mass abduction of February 19, 2019. Her mother Rebecca Sharibu, who has only two children, had expressed concern about the safety of her only son in Yobe State given the abduction of her only daughter Leah from a Government Girls Science and Technology College Dapchi.

Ogebe, head of Washington-based US Nigeria Law Group, said in a statement made available to newsmen “We are thankful to well-meaning Nigerians at home and abroad who contributed to the relocation and first term fees payment for young Master Sharibu to a safer part of the country.

“In a related development international human rights activists have responded to our call for May 14 to be marked as WORLD LEAH DAY in honour of Leah’s birthday.” (She turned 15 years old yesterday).

US Nigeria Law Group had urged Christians to pray for Leah from Sunday, May 13-May 20 and honour her by showing acts of heroism and courage, as well as kindness to others like Leah, was known for by her classmates.

Ogebe said: “Christian Solidarity Worldwide in the UK has taken advocacy action today in honour of Leah. According to a statement posted on the page of the IAMLEAH FACEBOOK GROUP.

“It’s Leah’s 15th birthday today, but she won’t be celebrating with her family. For 3 months she’s been held prisoner by Boko Haram. She hasn’t been released because she refuses to convert in exchange for her freedom.

“Join with us by sharing a photo of yourself holding a sign saying #FreeLeah”.

“Similar social media advocacy is taking place in Canada and US, Rwanda and Kenya amongst others.

“Leah has been in Boko Haram captivity for 84 days now and the Buhari-led government has not explained why she was not returned with her freed Muslim classmates or when she will return.

“If we had more Leahs in this country, Nigeria would be changed. If we had more Leah’s in the world, the world would be a better place. May God give us more Leahs in our government and every facet of our national life and may we be inspired to repentance and revival because of this child who touched the world and touched the heart of God.”