Presidency confirms receipt of Leah Sharibu video in which she pleads for Buhari's help

PRESIDENCY officials have confirmed that they are in receipt of a video recording made by captured Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) pupil Leah Sharibu in which she urges President Muhammadu Buhari to secure her release from Boko Haram.

On February 19, Boko Haram abducted 119 students from their boarding school in Dapchi, Yobe State and about100 of them were later set free, while five were reported to have died. Leah, however, was not released by the terrorists for failing to renounce her Christian faith and her continued detention has been a focus for campaigners who have asked the government to secure her release.

Over the weekend, Leah sent an audio message from the terrorists’ den, urging President Buhari to deliver her from Boko Haram captivity.  In the 35 second audio, she spoke in Hausa language, pleading with the government to cooperate with Boko Haram.

Leah said: “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 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 and I am calling on the government, particularly the president to pity me and get me out of this serious situation. Thank you.”

Boko Haram breakaway faction Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap), has kept her in captivity for seven months, sparking public outrage. In the picture Iswap released that accompanied the audio Leah was wearing a hijab and seated alone on a mat.

It is believed that Iswap sent the audio and picture as evidence to prove that Leah is still alive, which are requirements in possible renewed negotiation between the government and the terrorist sect. Presidency spokesman Mallam Garba Shehu said that the Buhari administration will spare nothing to ensure Leah and other girls abducted by Boko Haram regained their freedom.

Department of State Services officials are currently analysing the audio to ascertain its authenticity. Mallam Shehu added: “We are aware of the audio in circulation concerning the unfortunate situation of our daughter, Leah Sharibu.

"In dealing with terrorists, nothing is too trivial, so the secret service is analysing the voice and our reaction will follow the outcome of the investigation. For President Buhari, nothing will be spared in bringing all our girls home, he will not rest until all of them are free.”