The federal government has asked the public to disregard narrative that Leah Sharibu, a secondary school student kidnapped in Dapchi, Yobe state, by Boko Haram insurgents, is dead.
Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, made the call while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.
Garba said the federal government was not relenting in its effort to secure the release of Sharibu, adding that negotiations were still on going.
He also reiterated the commitment of the government towards making sure others that were held captive by the insurgents were released.
“Instead of giving up, the government is carrying forward processes that should hopefully yield her release by her captors,” NAN quoted Shehu to have said.
“Lines of communications remain open with the kidnappers, ISWAP, to secure the release of Leah Sharibu.
“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”
He said the idea of kidnapping for ransom should be frowned upon, noting that negotiating with terrorists did not translate to submission to their will.
“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 times are for them, but the government is pursuing many options to ensure the safe return of Leah Sharibu.”
Leah Sharibu is one of the the students of Government Girls Science and Technical Secondary School, Dapchi, who were kidnapped by a faction of Boko Haram terrorists in February 2018.
However, while a significant number of the girls were released by the insurgents after negotiations with the government, sharibu was not released because she refused to denounce her faith.
In july a video that was released by the insurgents, a kidnapped aid worker identified as Grace said she did not want to share the same fate with previous victims (referencing Sharibu and Hauwa Liman) who were killed because no one came to their rescue.