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Eight Years Later: Leah Sharibu Remains Captive – A Call to Action

Update The Unyielding Spirit of Leah Sharibu: A Call for JusticeIt's been over eight years since Leah Sharibu was abducted by the terrorist group Boko Haram at the tender age of 14. Even as she celebrates another birthday—one more year of existence in captivity—her story shines a powerful light on the resilience of faith amid religious persecution. In a world where mass abductions of Christians have become starkly common, Leah's refusal to renounce her faith marks her not just as a victim but as a beacon of hope and courage.At the time of her capture, over a hundred schoolgirls were taken. Yet, while her peers were released, Leah remains trapped due to her steadfast dedication to her Christian beliefs. This decision, made a woman of faith against overwhelming odds, serves as a poignant reminder that her suffering represents not only a single story of abduction but echoes the collective struggle for religious liberty for Christians in Nigeria and throughout the world.Echoes of Other Girls: Alheri's StoryAlheri, another young survivor of Boko Haram's brutality, now shares her story in the hope of bringing attention to Leah's plight. Kidnapped at just 12, she endured six years of violence, forced marriage, and abuse before finally escaping. Through her first-hand testimony conveyed during trauma care sessions organized by Open Doors, Alheri’s journey highlights the myriad challenges faced by those kidnapped by extremist groups. “I prayed every day for my freedom, just as we all pray for Leah now,” she said.As Alheri merges her narrative with Leah’s, she emphasizes the importance of community support and prayers for those like Leah still suffering in the shadows. “Leah, we are praying for you!! You are not forgotten,” they chant, crafting signs in unity. This demonstrates the shared strength stemming from their faith, uniting survivors in their mission to see Leah freed.Why Leah’s Continued Captivity MattersLeah's situation transcends her individual agonies; it epitomizes the ongoing struggle for freedom of belief in Nigeria. Reverend Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam articulates a finger pointed at the government’s inaction, pleading for unity across Nigeria’s religious communities. By asking, “Is the whole nation of Nigeria not in captivity?” he encapsulates the broader societal strife where religious freedom is continually jeopardized.Her story resonates in the same vein as the 2014 Chibok girls abduction, which sparked worldwide campaigns for their rescue. Yet, Leah’s continuing captivity sheds light on the insufficient international response regarding religious persecution. Human rights organizations have voiced concerns, pushing for advocacy and public awareness about the suffering faced by many others still held under similar circumstances.A Future Founded on Hope and JusticeAs Leah continues to wait and prayers mount globally for her release, we are called to consider their implications deeply. The ongoing activism—signing petitions like Arise Africa—aims to draw attention not only to Leah's specific case but also to the systematic issues facing Christianity in regions vulnerable to persecution. Join us in demanding protection, justice, and restoration for our brothers and sisters who live in fear, stripped of their rights due to their faith. “God has freed us, He will free you,” is a sentiment echoed by those advocating for Leah. It stresses the urgent need for intervention and action from concerned global citizens who will not forget her.Your Role in AdvocacyEvery individual has a role to play—be it signing petitions, spreading awareness, or advocating for policies that protect religious freedom worldwide. Your involvement can contribute not just to Leah’s freedom but also to enduring change for countless others suffering under similar conditions. By standing together as advocates of faith, love, and justice, we can transform the landscape of religious tolerance.As we continue to pray for Leah, may we also act. Each step taken towards awareness and action brings us a little closer to justice for her and all those yearning for the freedom to believe.