The Presidency has debunked rumours that Leah Sharibu, the Dapchi schoolgirl being held by Boko Haram, is dead.
It disclosed that Sharibu was alive, while the federal government continue to negotiate her release from the terrorist group.
In a statement on Saturday, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, assured Nigerians that the government would not give up on Sharibu, a Christian, who was denied freedom by the terrorist group because of her faith.
He stated, ‘‘Instead of giving up, the government is carrying forward processes that should hopefully yield her release by her captors.”
Stressing that she was alive, Shehu added, “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,” Shehu said.
