By Solomon OKPO.
As the world commemorates 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 renewed its call for the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, who has been in captivity for seven years.
Leah was among the 110 schoolgirls abducted on February 19, 2018, from the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP). While her classmates were eventually freed, she was reportedly held back for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.
In a statement signed by its president, Adeola Ogunlade, ACCoN expressed frustration over the continued failure of the authorities to rescue Leah and thousands of other women and girls still held by insurgents.
“Leah Sharibu has tragically spent most of her adolescent years in captivity simply for holding true to her faith,” the statement read.
The group urged the Federal Government, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to prioritize the safe return of Leah and others still in captivity.
Describing Leah’s prolonged detention as a glaring reminder of Nigeria’s security challenges, ACCoN emphasized the need to protect fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion.
“Leah’s courage in the face of unimaginable adversity remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, especially for young girls in Nigeria,” ACCoN stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to advocating for justice and security, the association stressed that Leah Sharibu’s story must not be forgotten. It called for renewed national and international efforts to ensure her safe return as part of the global push for women’s rights and dignity.
