In response to a call to prayer issued by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), churches worldwide prayed for the release of Leah Sharibu on Sunday.
The Christian girl from Dapchi, Nigeria is still being held by the Boko Haram terrorist group for refusing to renounce her faith in exchange for freedom.
On 21st March, the al-Barnawi faction of Boko Haram returned 104 of the 110 girls they had abducted on 19th February from the Government Girls Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State.
Religious freedom charity Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said the kidnapping came after an agreement that saw armed forces withdraw from the town, allowing the terrorists unhindered access.
As well as confirming that five of their fellow abductees were dead and had been buried in the bush, the girls that were released said Leah Sharibu had been "held back on religious grounds" due to her refusal to renounce her faith and wear a hijab.
Her mother, Rebecca Sharibu, was told that Leah had already boarded the vehicle bound for Dapchi along with others, but was told to get off after refusing to recite the Islamic profession of faith.
"They said my daughter would only be brought back home the day she knows how to recite Kalima shahada."
The ordeal has triggered outcry from Christians in Nigeria.
Dr Khataza Gondwe from CSW told Premier Leah's faith has inspired many Christians to continue advocating for her release.
"This child has shown such faith," she said.
"She's challenged the faith of even the most senior church leaders. Churches are getting together to pray for her. They are coming out day after day calling on the president to ensure her release and questioning how she was left out of a brokered deal, if that's what happened, on the grounds of her religious beliefs.
"They're maintaining pressure and hoping all of that, as well as interest from the international community, will facilitate her release."
Rev Dr Jeremiah M Gado, president of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), to which Leah and her parents belong, issued a statement saluting her "courage, doggedness and faith" and condemning "in strong terms any attempt to forcefully convert anyone from one religion to another."
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