Presidency Saturday confirmed that the Christian girl abducted by Boko Haram and denied freedom because she refused to renounce her faith is still alive contrary to speculations.
Sharibu has become the symbol of the fight against Boko Haram with Nigerians feeling, rightly or wrongly, that government is not doing enough to effect her release.
But the Media Aid to Buhari, Garba Shehu, Saturday raised hopes that she is still alive despite general skepticism to that effect.
Speculations were that she may have been killed by her captors.
“Lines of communications remain open with the kidnappers, ISWA, to secure the release of Leah Sharibu”, he said.
‘‘Contrary to false reports, she is alive – given assurances from our security agencies-, and the government is committed to her safe return, as well as all other hostages to their families.
“Kidnapping for ransom should never be encouraged. This means not capitulating to the demands of terrorists: refrain from rewarding their heinous crimes with payment.
‘’With the abduction of loved family and friends, the government understands how difficult these time are for them, but the government is pursuing many options to ensure the safe return of Leah Sharibu.
“We must commit to law and communication, using the breadth of strategies at our disposal: legal initiatives, stakeholder cooperation, the involvement of all relevant parties and the use of the latest hostage negotiation techniques.
‘‘Kidnapping for ransom is rising across the Sahel. We must – collectively – make sure we implement best practice to prevent its exploitation”, he said.
In recent times, government has become known for negotiating with bandits, Boko Haram and kidnappers, that analysts are wondering what Shehu meant when he said no one should give in to kidnappers, and that no ransom should be paid.
Last Thursday, Aminu Masari, governor of Katsina, home state of Buhari, invited bandits to the Federal secretariat to beg them not to kill again. This happened in the presence of security agencies.
