Advocacy Groups Rally for Leah Sharibu’s Release in Washington DC
Marking eight years since the abduction of Leah Sharibu, Christian advocacy groups are set to hold a rally outside the Nigerian Embassy in Washington DC. This demonstration aims to renew efforts for her release and will coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
Organized by Christian Freedom International, 21Wilberforce, and the Jubilee Campaign, the June 18 rally forms a part of the Religious Liberty Partnership’s Voices4Justice initiative. This initiative focuses on raising awareness about global religious freedom violations.
In 2018, Leah Sharibu was only 14 when militants from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) abducted her from her school in Dapchi, Yobe State. Though over 100 schoolgirls were kidnapped, Leah remains in captivity, reportedly for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.
The rally, titled #EndTheSilence, seeks to spotlight Leah’s situation and the broader issue of violence against Christian women in Nigeria, including abduction, forced marriage, and religious persecution.
Leah’s case is internationally recognized as a significant example of religious persecution, reflecting wider concerns about religious freedom in Nigeria. Her family continues to hope for her return after years of separation and uncertainty.
Gloria Puldu, a Nigerian human rights advocate, founded the Leah Foundation to keep Leah’s story alive and to support survivors of abduction and violence. The foundation engages in advocacy and dialogue with policymakers to push for justice and support.
The report Hijacking Innocence documents the harrowing experiences of young Christian girls who faced captivity and sexual violence. The campaign emphasizes the lack of media attention and support for these victims and their families.
This week’s rally calls on Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to rescue Leah and other kidnapped girls, improve survivor support services, investigate abductions and sexual violence, prosecute offenders, and ensure community protection.
A letter outlining these demands will be delivered to Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Lateef Kayode Kolawole Are.
At the core of this initiative is the commitment to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief, according to the organizers.
Supporters are encouraged to pray for Leah, her family, and other affected women and girls, and to share their stories within churches and communities. Christians are urged to advocate for stronger protective measures for vulnerable groups.
“Eight years is too long,” campaign organizers emphasized, urging that the international community must not forget Leah Sharibu and those still missing.
“Together, we can help ensure that Leah Sharibu – and the many other missing women and girls of Nigeria – are seen, remembered, protected, and never forgotten.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
