Nigeria | April 19, 2024
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On 19 February, Boko Haram kidnapped more than 100 girls from the secondary school in the town of Dapchi, southern Yobe State in Nigeria. On 21 March the girls were released. But the only Christian among them, Leah Sharibu, refused to convert to Islam, and was prevented from returning home. Open Doors visited the family recently to encourage them and pray with them. In another interview with Open Doors, Rebeccah Sharibu narrated more of her pain and grief as a mother. One of Leah’s school mates, Affodia, accompanied her on the visit and also told us more about the events of the night Boko Haram attacked their school and about Leah’s character.
On 19 February, Boko Haram kidnapped more than 100 girls from the secondary school in the town of Dapchi, southern Yobe State in Nigeria. On 21 March the girls were released. But the only Christian among them, Leah Sharibu, refused to recite Islamic prayers, and was prevented from returning home. Open Doors visited the family recently to encourage them and pray with them. Rebecca Sharibu, Leah's mother, spoke of her pain and grief, and one of Leah’s school friends, Affodia, told us more about the events of the night Boko Haram attacked their school.
Nineteen-year-old Affodia Andrawus, friend of Leah Sharibu, told Open Doors about the night that Boko Haram arrived at their school in Dapchi and abducted 100 girls – including Leah.
“Monday 19 February is a date I will never forget in my life. After our evening study time we were sitting down in the hostel about to eat because we had just finished our fast at around 6.30pm. Suddenly, we heard gunshots. We were trying to get ourselves coordinated when we heard more gunshots, and this time a bullet fell in front of the hostel. The gunshots increased a lot, so we (Christians) decided to hold hands and run away, because we knew that we would be the target.
“Our teachers saw us running and tried to (reassure us), but the gunshots became stronger. We continued to run. Leah’s hostel is in front of the gate, so we ran that way, calling for her. But she was caring for a sick roommate, Liyatu, and refused to leave her. She tried to carry her while we ran towards the fence. But Leah couldn’t run fast. They kept falling with Liyatu. Liyatu eventually managed to run to the staff quarters, but Leah and some of the other students ran towards the gate where unfortunately the Boko Haram truck was parked. We kept shouting her name, but she was put on the truck.
“The rest of us jumped the fence and kept running. We ran to a thick bush behind our school and hid there. At about 10pm we saw a helicopter that kept hovering above us. It was there for more than 20 minutes, but we lay still under some leaves. When the sound of the helicopter began to fade away, we were relieved.
“It was a long night. That afternoon our teachers (found us and) led us back to the school. There we saw our parents and other students who had returned. There were tears of joy as parents saw their children and those whose children were still missing began to weep and wail.
“Roll-call was done by our chaplain and Leah was the only Christian missing.”
Rebecca, Leah's mother, told us, “On 19 February we were told that Boko Haram had entered our town. Many people ran for their lives, but my family did not run away. I received a call from my sister at night that Boko Haram entered Government Girls School (GSS) Dapchi and took some students away.
“The night was so long and my heart kept skipping a beat. All I could think of was my Leah.
“Early the next day, at about 5am, I took my torch and went to the school. When I got there, I saw some parents crying and hugging their daughters, but I didn’t see my Leah among the students. The crowd in the school became overwhelming and we were all asked to go outside the school.
“I sat down at the gate with some of the parents and waited for my Leah 'til 4.30pm, but my Leah was not returned. I spent the night at the school gate and the next day some of the government officials informed us that the girls had been found but that they were undergoing treatment in the hospital. They said two died in the crossfire between the military and Boko Haram. I was so sure my Leah was amongst those in the hospital. My heart was at rest hearing this.
“But to my shock, the Governor told us, ‘We are not sure where the girls are. They cannot be found. Please go home. There is nothing that can be done.’ Many parents broke down and collapsed, but I was just there, feeling blank.
“On 21 March, early in the morning, I received a call that Boko Haram had come back with the girls. I jumped up and began to run to the park where they would be taken, falling and getting up again with the expectations of meeting my Leah. When I got there, I heard that they had gone to the school. It was a long distance, and I was weak. A Good Samaritan saw me and offered to take me there.
“We first went to the palace, but Leah wasn’t there. Then we went to the hospital, were many were receiving treatment. Still Leah wasn’t there.
“At the hospital I saw one of Leah’s classmates and asked her ‘Where is my Leah?’ She told me, ‘Leah was told to say some Islamic incantations before she would be allowed onto the truck. But she refused. We even offered to teach her so she could be freed, but she said, ‘I will never say it, because I am not a Muslim’. They became angry and told her if she won’t denounce Christ, she will remain with them. Still Leah refused. All the Muslim girls were put in the truck and we watched Leah being left alone with the other members. We kept crying and waving her till the truck vanished’.
“I began to cry because I felt helpless and broken. I even fainted and was rushed to the hospital where I received treatment.”
Rebecca continues, “But I am also so proud of my Leah because she did not denounce Christ. And because of that, I know God will never forsake her. Each morning (before she was taken) when we woke up, we did our devotions and studied the Word of God. And when she went to school, I gave her a copy of the Bible so she could have her personal devotions even when I am not there.
“Leah is in different church groups like the choir, and youth fellowship. As her mother, I know her to be an obedient daughter, respectful and someone who puts others before herself.”
Affodia agrees. “When you talk about patience, that is what Leah is known for. No matter how much she is maltreated or insulted by other students, she will never retaliate. Instead she will look for a way to make peace with everyone.
“Leah is very dedicated to the things of God, taking part in the fellowship group, choir, prayer and fasting, and Bible study group. If anyone is sick amongst the Christians Leah is always the first to go and greet and pray for that person. Her life is really an example for all to follow."
Affodia recalls, “Two Sundays before the kidnapping, the chaplain preached about standing for Christ, no matter what. I believe that God allowed Leah to be the only Christian that was abducted for a reason: so that through her, the world and even her abductors will come to know Christ. Leah indeed has spread the gospel to all the world!”
Rebecca says, “I know that all over the world believers are praying and advocating for the release of my daughter, but until now I haven’t seen my Leah. I want to plead that Christians: do not get tired of praying for her, 'til she is returned.
“My heart is heavy but joyful in this trial, because my Leah refused to denounce Christ, just as the theme of our church (ECWA) says, ‘Be joyful in suffering’. My encouragement is this: I know that even if Leah is dead she is with the Lord. And for those who are going through situations and trials, just be hopeful and hold onto God.”
Open Doors partners with the local church in northern Nigeria to strengthen and equip persecuted believers through emergency relief, trauma counselling, legal aid, community development projects, education for children affected by persecution, and training for church leaders, new believers, and others. Every £30 can provide two days of trauma care training for a church leader or lay leader in Africa, so they can help others begin to recover from their traumatic experiences of persecution.
Your support helps persecuted Christians continue to courageously follow Jesus.
Together, we can reach those where persecution hits hardest.
