TheCable

Nathan Sharibu, father of the only Christian girl abducted at Government Girls Secondary School, Dapchi, Yobe state, has confirmed that the voice in the audio exclusively obtained by TheCable is his daughter’s.

In the audio, the girl who has been in captivity since February appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to pity her.

Sharibu was kidnapped alongside 118 students and all the captured girls were subsequently released, except five who reportedly died in detention but Sharibu was held back for “refusing to renounce her faith”.

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, has kept her in captivity for seven months, sparking public outrage.

Speaking with The Nation on Monday, the victim’s father said the voice of his daughter had rekindled the hope of his family.

“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,” he said.

“This has giving me hope that she is alive. I am also happy to see her recent picture displayed.

“My request is the same with my daughter. The government should play their part now by intensifying efforts to secure her freedom.”

He said his wife was delighted to hear her daughter’s voice but would be happier on the day that she regains freedom.

Sharibu called on President Muhammadu Buhari to hasten efforts to secure his daughter’s release.

Earlier, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said the Department of State Services (DSS) was analysing the audio, and that government would react after the outcome of the investigation.