Today Leah Sharibu turns eighteen in a Boko Haram terrorist camp. PSJUK, an organisation of Nigerians in the UK, is organising a birthday event in her honour. There will be ‘performances, poetry and prayer’.

This is what they write about their reasons for marking this special day:

“Whilst the world looks to freedom post-pandemic, Leah Sahribu remains locked down in captivity. On the 14th of May, Leah turns 18. Though there have been many reports about her wellbeing and condition, PSJUK will mark her coming of age to continue to raise awareness of her plight. 
 
At the age of 14, Leah Sharibu was kidnapped along with 109 schoolgirls in Dapchi State, Northern Nigeria. Leah is the only girl still held captive as she refused to deny her Christian faith.

Every year millions of teens mark the coming of adulthood with celebrations, joy, and hopes for a bright future. There’s often a feeling of new freedoms and new opportunities. Well, not for Leah Sharibu. Leah has had much of her childhood stolen in the most horrific of circumstances. Her courage to stand firm in her faith has caused her to be stripped of her physical freedom and personal human rights.

PSJ UK, along with a host of partner organisations will mark her birthday through a celebration of her courage in captivity. Though she is physically held, the strength of her message has travelled far and wide, encouraging Christians all over the world and promoting advocacy for Religious Freedom.

We are hopeful that Leah Sharibu will be free. We will continue to campaign and petition the International community to amplify the fight for Leah’s freedom and that of thousands of other children in Nigeria who should be Free and Protected.”
 
Please honour Leah and her courage to stand for her faith by praying for her today and for thousands like her in Nigeria at risk of terrorism and violence.