Leah Sharibu – a symbol of faith amid persecution

Leah Sharibu, a young Nigerian Christian girl, remains in captivity on her 21st birthday, a stark reminder of the religious persecution and human rights violations that persist in our world today. Abducted in 2018 by Boko Haram’s ISWAP faction, Leah's story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity and the power of faith.

Revd Dr Gideon Para-Mallam, president of the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, expressed profound disappointment and heartbreak over Leah’s prolonged captivity. “It is extremely disappointing and heartbreaking that six years on we are still talking about Leah in captivity,” he said. He raised a poignant question, “Is the whole nation of Nigeria not in captivity?” This question underscores the broader implications of Leah’s plight, symbolising the violation of religious freedom and human rights.

Leah’s story is reminiscent of the plight of the Chibok girls, whose abduction in 2014 sparked a global outcry and a campaign, #BringBackOurGirls. Despite these efforts, many of the Chibok girls remain in captivity. Leah, like the Chibok girls, was forced to convert to Islam but chose to remain faithful to her Christian belief. Her freedom of religion and belief was violated, and today she is still in captivity because of her Christian faith.

Dr Para-Mallam highlighted that Leah herself appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Christian Association of Nigeria for rescue. He called for prayers for Leah and several other Christian girls, as well as Muslims still in captivity against their will. He stressed the need for Nigerians to unite across faiths to advocate for Leah and others' freedom, stating, “We are in this together. Persecution to one is persecution to all.”

As we mark Leah’s 21st birthday, her story serves as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead of us. Her strength in the face of unimaginable circumstances is both humbling and inspiring. We will continue to advocate for Leah and all those unjustly held in captivity. Their freedom is our mission, their voices are our call to action.

The Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation is appealing directly to Leah’s captors to get in touch with them. The foundation is also urging the global community to remember Leah and act in their nations to urge their governments to reach out to the Nigerian government through diplomatic circles. The aim is to secure Leah's release and that of several Christian girls who are forced to convert to Islam and married off as sex slaves to Boko Haram commanders and fighters.

In the face of adversity, we must not falter. Leah’s courage is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards religious freedom and human rights. We must unite, across faiths and borders, to ensure her voice is heard and her freedom secured.

As Dr Para-Mallam said, “In the face of adversity, we must not falter. Leah’s courage is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards religious freedom and human rights. Her resilience under duress is a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity.”

The situation in Nigeria is a microcosm of the larger global issue of religious persecution. Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places on earth to live as a Christian. It is a stark reminder that the fight for religious freedom and human rights is far from over. It is a call to action for all of us to stand up against injustice and fight for the rights of all individuals to practice their faith freely and without fear.

The story of Leah Sharibu is a powerful testament to the strength of faith and the human spirit. Despite the unimaginable circumstances she finds herself in, Leah has chosen to remain true to her faith. Her story is a call to action for all of us to stand up for religious freedom and human rights.

The plight of Leah Sharibu and the ongoing violence in Nigeria serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for action. We must not remain silent in the face of such gross human rights violations. We must raise our voices and take action to ensure that Leah and others like her are not forgotten. We must stand up for religious freedom, human rights, and justice. As we mark Leah's 21st birthday, let us renew our commitment to these ideals and work tirelessly to ensure that Leah and others like her are freed from captivity. Let us remember that persecution of one is persecution of all, and let us stand together in the face of adversity.

The Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation is a non-governmental, faith-based organisation that is dedicated to nation building through the promotion of peaceful coexistence, leadership development, and social justice for all in Nigeria and Africa, irrespective of culture, ethnicity, religion, or class.

Ian Peacock is the founder of Kingstead International, a recently-established London-based non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for victims of persecution and violence worldwide. With a strong commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation, Kingstead implements initiatives that leverage sports and health programs to bridge divides between communities.