The struggle for freedom and justice continues as advocacy groups gather to commemorate a significant yet tragic event. A rally is being organized outside the Nigerian Embassy in Washington DC to mark eight years since the abduction of Leah Sharibu, a Christian schoolgirl from Nigeria, and to demand renewed efforts for her release.
Scheduled for June 18, this demonstration is orchestrated by Christian Freedom International, 21Wilberforce, and the Jubilee Campaign. It coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
This rally is part of the Religious Liberty Partnership’s Voices4Justice initiative, which focuses on raising awareness of violations of religious freedoms globally.
At just 14 years old, Leah Sharibu was kidnapped by militants from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on February 19, 2018, when they stormed the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State.
Leah was among over 100 schoolgirls taken hostage. Although most were released or escaped, Leah remains in captivity reportedly for her refusal to renounce her Christian faith.
Organizers of the #EndTheSilence rally believe Leah is the last of the Dapchi abductees still held by the militant group.
The rally aims to draw attention not only to Leah’s plight but also to the broader issue of Christian women and girls facing violence, abduction, forced marriage, and religious persecution in Nigeria’s conflict zones.
Described as one of the most internationally recognized cases of religious persecution, Leah’s story underscores broader concerns about religious freedom and belief in Nigeria.
For Leah’s family, the past eight years have been filled with hope and uncertainty. Her parents remain hopeful for her eventual return.
The Leah Foundation, led by Nigerian human rights advocate Gloria Puldu, continues to champion Leah’s case through public advocacy and dialogue with policymakers while supporting other survivors of abductions and violence.
A report titled Hijacking Innocence shares the harrowing experiences of young Christian girls who suffered captivity, sexual violence, and forced marriage before escaping or being rescued.
The campaign notes that many such incidents often lack media attention, leaving families struggling for justice and support.
This week’s rally will call on Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to rescue Leah and others, enhance support services for survivors, investigate cases of abduction and forced marriage, prosecute offenders, and bolster community protections against violence.
A letter with these demands will be presented to Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Lateef Kayode Kolawole Are.
At the core of this initiative is a commitment to upholding the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief.
Supporters are urged to pray for Leah, her family, and all women and girls affected by such violence, and to share their stories within churches and communities. The Christian community is also encouraged to advocate for stronger protections for at-risk populations.
“Eight years is too long,” say the campaign organizers, appealing to the international community to remain vigilant about Leah Sharibu and others still waiting for freedom.
“Together, we can help ensure that Leah Sharibu – and the many other missing women and girls of Nigeria – are seen, remembered, protected, and never forgotten.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
