LEAH SHARIBU: 365 DAYS IN CAPTIVITY!

I WILL THANK MY DAUGHTER FOR WHAT SHE HAS
DONE, BUT I WANT HER BACK HOME
– Leah’s mother, Rebecca Sharibu

The pertinent question here is how would you feel if your daughter was captured by some enemies of Jesus Christ and for the next 365 days, there is no news of her? No doubt, by now, some parents would have died of frustrations; some would have fallen into serious mental health challenges. It takes the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ to remain in faith when this happens. Rebecca, mother of Leah Sharibu is an exemplary Christian. No wonder her daughter Leah could dare the enemies right in their den. Like mother, like daughter! The template and fervour of Christianity in the persecution zones of Northern Nigeria, is more radical and total. Theirs is not an air-conditioned Christianity! Rebecca is keeping the faith, believing that what has happened to her daughter has a reason known to God and would be revealed to man when God is ready. Speaking to E-life, the native of Yola and primary school teacher said,  “I am proud of my daughter. I have no regrets about her refusal to convert. I would have been surprised and sad if she denied Christ even at the point of death…” Excerpts from an interview conducted by Bola Adewara.

That very day Leah was taken, were you in Dapchi town? How did it happen?
Yes, I was in Dapchi. It was evening around 5:30pm when we heard the guns shots. I came out and asked what was happening, my neighbour answered that the Boko Haram people were here. We fell into panic and entered our houses where we stayed until they finished and left. We never knew what had happened really.

Where was Leah at that time?
She was in school.

How did you hear that she was one of the school girls captured?
The following day after the attack, we went there early in the morning. Some of the students who escaped returned and the register was called which led to the discovery that one hundred and ten students were not around, my daughter Leah inclusive.

 Does Leah go to Church regularly? How did you train her as a Christian?
We go to Church together. We do everything together and she attends the fellowship where they teach them the word of God.

What Church is that?
ECWA

Since the incident, what has being the response of the Church?
What can we do of our own other than prayer? They are praying for her. They always encourage me.

 As a mother, how do you feel that your daughter refused to convert to Islam in order to gain her freedom? Are you fulfilled by that?
I am proud of my daughter. I have no regrets about her refusal to convert. I would have been surprised and sad if she denied Christ even at the point of death…

I am aware her father is a policeman, how does he feel?
Well, he’s feeling very bad. But there is little he can say because of his job. He works in Yola, Adamawa State where we come from.

There have been certain reports that Leah is dead. Is it true? Have you heard any news from her?
No, we do not know whether it is true or false but Mohammed Lai, the minister for information has come out to say that she is not dead. And I believe she is not.

When President Buhari came to Dapchi, did he contact or visit you?
No, he did not come to me. He only sent his ministers to me. President Buhari and I only talked on phone. He said they are trying and she will be returned very soon.

The Christian body in Nigeria like the Christian Association of Nigeria, have they gotten across to you?
Yes, ECWA Christians.

How many children have you?
Two. Leah and his younger brother who feels sad everyday over his sister’s disappearance.

Some people keep saying that if Leah had known she should have taken the Hijab to at least gain her freedom. Do you think it was a mistake for her to have refused?
No, what she did is good. I am proud of her. We are Christians!

Are you people not afraid of the Boko Haram coming back to the town?
 We are afraid. I intend leaving this town but I am just waiting for my daughter. As soon as she is released I will leave Dapchi.

Health-wise, how do you feel? Hope you are not having any form of health issue over this?
No, no problem. Jesus is with us.

Do you have any message Nigerians concerning Leah?
Yes, let them pray for her at least since she is yet to be released. Let them continue to pray for her quick release.

If you have any message for Leah, what will you tell her?
I will thank her for what she has done, for standing by Jesus. But i want her back. If we are afraid of suffering, we are not Christians. It’s part of the package. Jesus had His share. The Bible says in this life we would have it but we are overcomers. We may be persecuted all the time but we are not defeated. Pressed on all sides but we are glad in ultimate victory of Jesus over Satan and his agents.