Leah Sharibu Is Alive – Presidency Assures

By Editor

Leah Sharibu, the Christian girl held back when her Muslim colleagues kidnapped from Dapchi, Yobe State more than a year ago is alive, the presidency assured on Saturday as it vowed to bring her back alive.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu speaking to selected journalists in Abuja on Saturday firmly doused assertions that she was dead saying that the government was in communication towards bringing her back alive.

‘‘Instead of giving up, the government is carrying forward processes that should hopefully yield her release by her captors.”

“Lines of communications remain open with the kidnappers, ISWA, to secure the release of Leah Sharibu.

‘‘Contrary to false reports, she is alive – given assurances from our security agencies-, and the government is committed to her safe return, as well as all other hostages to their families.

“Kidnapping for ransom should never be encouraged. This means not capitulating to the demands of terrorists: refrain from rewarding their heinous crimes with payment.

‘’With the abduction of loved family and friends, the government understands how difficult these time are for them, but government is pursuing many options to ensure the safe return of Leah Sharibu.

“We must commit to law and communication, using the breadth of strategies at our disposal: legal initiatives, stakeholder cooperation, involvement of all relevant parties and the use of the latest hostage negotiation techniques.

‘‘Kidnapping for ransom is rising across the Sahel. We must – collectively – make sure we implement best practice to prevent its exploitation,” Shehu said as he appealed for understanding in resolving the knotty issue.

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