TheCable

Lai Mohammed, minister of information, says the federal government is doing its best to ensure Leah Sharibu, the only Dapchi girl in Boko Haram captivity, is released.

The minister said this while speaking with reporters after the 100 years celebration of St. Andrews Catholic Church in his Oro home town, Kwara state, on Thursday.

Mohammed said Sharibu is a precious daughter of the country who is dear to the government.

Sharibu and 109 other girls were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents  from their school in Dapchi, Yobe state, on February 19.

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

“Nigerians should appreciate that any of our citizens, either boy or girl, Muslim or Christian is dear to us,” the minister said.

“We do not look at Leah Sharibu either as Christian or Muslim, but as a precious daughter of the country.

“We are doing our best to ensure her safe release and be reunited with her family members.”

In an exclusive story published by TheCable in August, Sharibu had asked President Muhammadu Buhari to save her from captivity and appealed that her family members be assisted.