Buhari calls Leah Sharibu’s mother, promises safe return of teenager

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday spoke with the mother of the last kidnapped Dapchi schoolgirl, Mrs. Rebecca Sharibu, assuring her of the safe return of her daughter, Leah, from Boko Haram captivity.

The Guardian editorial of yesterday had highlighted the inherent danger in the prolonged stay of the teenager in the den of the terrorist sect and called on the president to act quickly. The piece was the third on the matter.It had noted: “It is time to warn the authorities in Abuja again about the danger of allowing terrorists who have been threatening to kill Leah Sharibu to carry out their threats.

“There has been no indication of serious engagement in Abuja, in this regard. It is all politics of primary elections while neglecting other weightier matters of humanity and governance.”

The editorial went on: “This is coming on the heels of the threat to kill her and the debate on the payment of ransom for the release of the 104 kidnapped schoolgirls as five of the hapless girals sadly died in captivity.“Some people have been criticising the ransom payment instead of focusing on appealing to the nation’s conscience and encouraging the Federal Government to bring Leah back alive.

“The critics of the alleged payment of ransom should realise that the human life involved is more important in the equation.“Therefore, there is no price that is too much to be paid to achieve freedom for the last Dapchi girl in captivity.”

But in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the president consoled the Sharibu family, pledging that government was committed to the safety and security of the captive.”I convey my emotion, the strong commitment of my administration and the solidarity of all Nigerians to you and your family as we will do our best to bring your daughter home in peace and safety,” Buhari told Mrs. Sharibu on phone.