The parents of Leah Sharibu, the only girl still being held captive by Boko Haram insurgents who stormed the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, have confirmed the voice in an audio message as their daughter’s.
Leah’s audio message was published on Monday by TheCable.ng with her recent picture in which she is wearing a brown hijab and sitting on a mat.
The Presidency said the Department of State Service (DSS) is investigating the audio recording.
Speaking in Hausa, the 15-year-old who is reportedly held for refusing to denounce her Christian faith, pleads for her release.
The audio is translated thus: “I am Leah Sharibu, the girl that was abducted in GGSS Dapchi. I am calling on the government and people of goodwill to intervene to get me out of my current situation.
“I also plead to the members of the public to help my mother, my father, my younger brother and relatives. Kindly help me out of my predicament. I am begging you to treat me with compassion. I am calling on the government, particularly the President, to pity me and get me out of this serious situation. Thank you.”
Speaking with a Nation reporter, the girl’s parents confirmed the voice as belonging to their daughter.
Nathan Sharibu and his wife Rebecca, in a phone conversation, said their hope had been re-ignited after hearing their daughter’s voice and seeing her picture.
“I can confirm to you that the voice that spoke is that of my daughter Leah. It is her voice, no doubt. I am happy that I can hear my daughter speak. This has given me hope that she is alive. I am also happy to see her recent picture displayed.
“My request is the same with my daughter’s. The government should play their part now by intensifying efforts to secure her freedom,” Mr Sharibu said.
Reacting to the development in a message on Twitter, President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said the DSS was analysing the audio tape.
He promised that the president would spare no effort to ensure all the girls in Boko Haram’s captivity are freed.
“We are aware of the audio in circulation concerning the unfortunate situation of our daughter, Leah Sharibu. In dealing with terrorists, nothing is too trivial.
“The secret service is analysing the voice. Our reaction will follow the outcome of the investigation. For President Buhari, nothing will be spared in bringing all our girls home. He will not rest until all of them are freed”, Shehu tweeted.
