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Christian MP writes to Theresa May on International Women's Day saying Leah Sharibu is still in captivity

by Cara Bentley

Leah Sharibu was one of 110 girls who was abducted from a college in Daphci, Yobe state, on 19th February 2018 by a faction of Boko Haram called al Barnawi.

The MP for Glasgow East wrote that he has "profound concerns", saying: "In light of International Women's Day on Friday, I would greatly appreciate an update on any recent representations that have been made to the Nigerian government regarding Ms Sharibu's case".

He explains that the context of her being held captive shows it has been for religious reasons as 104 of the 110 girls were released, five died and Ms Sharibu is widely thought to have been held back for refusing to convert to Islam.

In his letter, Mr Linden writes: "The Nigerian Government has a clear constitutional obligation to ensure that every citizen is 'protected irrespective of his/her gender, culture and religious belief.' However in this instance, a minor was not only left in the hands of terrorists on account of her religious beliefs when her surviving colleagues were released; she also continues to suffer multiple and severe violations...It is a terrible indictment of the Nigerian Government's failure to assist a vulnerable citizen, and of an international community that has not held it sufficiently to account for this."

He says that Leah Sharibu has been held captive alongside humantiarian workers, one of whom was shot in the head and filmed by Boko Haram.

Linden criticised the Nigerian government for leaving a minor in the hands of a terrorist organisation and denying her freedom of religion and also asks the Prime Minsiter to raise the issue of 112 girls still missing from another abduction in Chibok, Borno state, and the captive humantiarian worker Alice Ngaddah, a nurse employed by UNICEF.

Linden ends by saying: "I would like to express my serious concern about your decision to congratulate Mohammadu Buharu on his electoral victory, despite the elections being marred by violence and irregularities".

He said: "In parts of the largely Christian area in the south of Kaduna state, uinsufficient ballot papers were sent to polling stations...the situation in Nigeria is utterly intolerable and I would like to see much greater focus given to this issue by Her Majesty's Government".

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