Eight years after her abduction from school in Dapchi, Yobe State, the parents of Leah Sharibu have renewed their appeal to the Federal Government for urgent action to secure her release.
Leah was 14 years old when she was kidnapped alongside other students from Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, on February 19, 2018, during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari. While most of the abducted girls were later freed, Leah was reportedly held back after she refused to renounce her Christian faith.
As February 19, 2026 marks eight years since her abduction, her family says she has endured prolonged hardship in captivity. In a statement issued by Dr. Gloria Samdi Puldu, spokesperson for Leah’s parents and President of the LEAH Foundation, the anniversary was described as a painful reminder of what they termed the government’s failure to secure her freedom.
The foundation said information from some girls who were rescued or escaped indicates that Leah is still alive.
Leah’s family called on the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate and decisive steps to locate and rescue her, describing her continued captivity as both a personal tragedy and a national concern.
Her mother, Rebecca Sharibu, has reportedly endured years of emotional trauma while holding on to hope that her daughter will return home safely.
Peace advocate Gideon Para-Mallam also joined the renewed call, urging the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to rescue Leah and others still being held by insurgent groups. He stressed the need for stronger and more coordinated action to address persistent insecurity, kidnappings and insurgent violence across the country.
To mark the eighth anniversary, the LEAH Foundation announced plans for a virtual global prayer session themed “From Glory to Glory, Eight Years … One Faithful God,” aimed at mobilising support for Leah’s release and for other women and girls in captivity.
The foundation further urged international leaders, human rights organisations and faith communities to sustain advocacy efforts and maintain pressure on authorities until Leah is reunited with her family.