Coalition seeks involvement of UN, US in rescue of Leah Sharibu

The Coalition Against Terrorism (CATE) has urged the United Nations and the United States government to assist in the rescue of Leah Sharibu, the Dapchi schoolgirl abducted by Boko Haram in February.

Reacting to the N100 billion demand made by the sect in exchange for the release of the Christian girl, the group said the federal government would not be able to meet the condition set by Boko Haram without assistance.

It said the demand is a confirmation that Boko Haram is desperately seeking to raise operational cash by pawning its hostage to the highest bidder.

Gabriel Onoja, national coordinator of the CATE, said the condition by Boko Haram has placed Nigeria’s decision makers in a quandary.

He also urged the international community to put pressure on the Nigerian authorities to not succumb to Boko Haram’s demand.

“We therefore call on the United States’ government to intervene and demand the unconditional release of Leah and other hostages being held by Boko Haram without any further delay,” he said in a statement.

“There should be a way for the United States to identify, isolate and sanction those that have continued to promote the violence through their tacit support of Boko Haram.

“The imperative right now is for the United States to act to save the rights of women and children all over the world. It would have failed in this mission if Leah’s has to be bought like a common commodity from the terrorists that are holding her against her will.

“Should any entity pay up the amount that the terrorists are asking for then no girl child in the region will be safe again as the terrorists will embark on an orgy of abduction each time they are in need of money to finance their evil operations. A decision on whether or not to pay the ransom demanded by these terrorists must therefore be assessed from the viewpoint of the long term impact of acceding to the demands of the terrorists.”