By Bishop Emmanuel Ade BadejoCatholic Bishop of Oyo
The over 100 Dapchi girls kidnapped by Boko Haram have been returned to great rejoicing from every coast. There is however more than a touch of lament and sadness for five of the girls who died during captivity. May God rest their souls in perfect peace and console all who are thus bereaved. Amen. Even as we all rejoice at the release of the Dapchi girls, it must be admitted that the continuing loss of lives in Nigeria and the uncertain footwork of the APC government in securing the lives and property of innocent Nigerian is tragic.
Perhaps the biggest litmus test for President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC government in this Dapchi girls saga is the case of Leah Sharibu, the only Dapchi girl yet to be released by Bobko Haram, who on the evidence of her colleagues was not freed because she refused to renounce her Christian faith. Anyone who thinks this is just a Christian problem would be making a big mistake. Christians expectedly would be outraged by this blatant encroachment of Leah’s rights. They would also be proud of the faith of this mere Christian girl who has thus dared Boko Haram terrorists who are feared by even the entire Nigerian government and people. No amount of accolades would suffice to congratulate the girl and her parents who nurtured her to be so strong in her faith as to demonstrate such courage.
The over 100 Dapchi girls kidnapped by Boko Haram have been returned to great rejoicing from every coast. There is however more than a touch of lament and sadness for five of the girls who died during captivity. May God rest their souls in perfect peace and console all who are thus bereaved. Amen. Even as we all rejoice at the release of the Dapchi girls, it must be admitted that the continuing loss of lives in Nigeria and the uncertain footwork of the APC government in securing the lives and property of innocent Nigerian is tragic.
Perhaps the biggest litmus test for President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC government in this Dapchi girls saga is the case of Leah Sharibu, the only Dapchi girl yet to be released by Bobko Haram, who on the evidence of her colleagues was not freed because she refused to renounce her Christian faith. Anyone who thinks this is just a Christian problem would be making a big mistake. Christians expectedly would be outraged by this blatant encroachment of Leah’s rights. They would also be proud of the faith of this mere Christian girl who has thus dared Boko Haram terrorists who are feared by even the entire Nigerian government and people. No amount of accolades would suffice to congratulate the girl and her parents who nurtured her to be so strong in her faith as to demonstrate such courage. All Nigerians really should rise up, pray and take all necessary action for Leah’s release. The international community should also please do everything possible to put pressure on the Nigerian government to secure this girl’s release.
I am personally disappointed that Leah’s continued kidnap did not seem to be a major concern even as government officials boasted and bragged about the release of the freed Dapchi girls.The For a government running so short of credibility and public goodwill, securing Securing Leah Sharibu’s immediate release should at least be an opportunity for the Buhari government to replenish political capital towards the next elections in 2019 if not for more noble motives.
In reality, many Nigerians are losing confidence in the commitment of this government to guarantee the fundamental rights of all without fear or favour. Drastic measures must be taken immediately by President Muhammadu Buhari and his government to regain the confidence of many Nigerians who feel excluded and even victimised by what is seen as double standards and hazy procedures in governments security campaign against the multifaceted security challenges currently facing the Nigerian nation. Bringing back this young amazon of democracy is a good way of doing it.