The only Dapchi girl remaining in the custody of Boko Haram, Leah Sharibu, has spoken from captivity pleading with President Muhammadu Buhari to save her.
Online news outlet TheCable, who obtained the audio also released her latest picture as proof.
Sharibu was the only Christian among the abducted 119 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Dapchi, Yobe state last February.
All the girls who were captured were subsequently released, except five who reportedly died in detention, but Sharibu was held back for refusing to renounce her faith.
The audio which lasted for 35 seconds has the young girl speaking in Hausa.
“I am Leah Sharibu, the girl that was abducted in GGSS Dapchi. I am calling on the government and people of goodwill to intervene to get me out of my current situation,” she said.
“I also plead to the members of the public to help my mother, my father, my younger brother and relatives. Kindly help me out of my predicament. I am begging you to treat me with compassion, I am calling on the government, particularly, the president to pity me and get me out of this serious situation. Thank you.”
Sources told TheCable that the audio as well as pictures were part of the proof of life requirement in a possible renewed negotiation efforts between the government and The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram who have her in captivity.
In a swift response the Presidency said that the security agencies were aware and were currently analyzing the message.
In a tweet moments after the audio was made public the President’s spokesman, Garba Shehu wrote, “We are aware of the audio in circulation concerning the unfortunate situation of our daughter, Leah Sharibu. In dealing with terrorists, nothing is too trivial.
“The secret service is analyzing the voice. Our reaction will follow the outcome of the investigation. For President Buhari, nothing will be spared in bringing all our girls home. He will not rest until all of them are freed.”
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