NGO protests continued captivity of Leah Sharibu

Zonta International Club, Ibadan, an NGO on Wednesday protested the continued captivity of Leah Sharibu by the Boko Haram insurgents after 206 days.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Sharibu was abducted along with 104 Dapchi school girls on February 19 While others were released, Sharibu is yet to be released.
NAN further reports that members of the NGO were seen carrying placards with the various inscriptions some of which read: “Get Leah out now, “Ensure the release of Leah Sharibu and other Chibok girls now”.
The President, Zonta International Club, Dr Bisi Awosanya, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure the release of Leah, safe and sound.
Awosanya said that the organisation had a primary objective to advance the status of women through the service and advocacy as well as promotion of well-being of the girl-child.
She said: “It is in the light of this interest that we consider it very important for our association to add our voice to many out there concerning the disturbing plight of Leah Sharibu.
“We want the government to urgently find solution to kidnapping by training strong anti-kidnapping agents and generating jobs for the unemployed, especially the youth, to promote the fight against crime.”
She said that Zonta placed a special focus on the education of young women, because they would be agents of change toward equality.
She said: “Zonta International envisions a world in which women’s rights are recognised and every woman is able to achieve her full potential in such a world.
“We are calling on Nigerians to continue to pray without ceasing. The Lord in whom Leah has put her trust will continue to shield and protect her.”
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the Sharibu family that his administration would do everything possible to bring its daughter back home.
Malam Garba Shehu, President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, said Buhari gave the assurance in a telephone conversation between him and Rebecca Sharibu, Leah’s mother on Wednesday.
The president also assured the mother that his heart was with her family, adding that the entire nation would continue to pray for the safe return of Leah.
Buhari said: “I convey my emotion, the strong commitment of my administration and the solidarity of all Nigerians to you and your family.
“We will do our best to bring your daughter home in peace and safety.”