Seven Years After Abduction From Yobe School By Boko Haram, Leah Sharibu’s Mother Marks Her 22nd Birthday In Tears (Video)

Nigerian woman, Rebecca Sharibu, who is the mother of Leah Sharibu—the only Christian among the 110 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram in Dapchi in 2018—has made a heartfelt appeal to people worldwide to pray for her daughter’s safe return, as Leah marks her 22nd birthday and seventh year in captivity.

Leah was abducted on February 19, 2018, from the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State. While most of the girls were freed after what the Nigerian government called “back-channel” negotiations, Leah was held back.

It was later learned that Leah refused to recite the Islamic declaration and wear the hijab, rejecting the militants’ demand to renounce her Christian faith.

Her classmates told Rebecca that Leah said, “If they want to kill her, they can go ahead, but she won’t say she is a Muslim.”

In a video shared by Open Doors UK, Rebecca expressed her grief and unwavering hope.

“I sang a song for Leah on her last birthday she celebrated with us. Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!! Happy birthday to you!!! And she was excited and smiling and that was the last birthday she had at home with us,” Rebecca said.

“I’m cutting this cake on behalf of Leah, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I’m hopeful that next year, God willing, she will be the one cutting the cake with her own hands and we will celebrate together.”

“I’m pleading with you to join hands and keep on praying concerning Leah and the others in captivity that God will bring them back safely,” she added.

Today is Leah Sharibu’s 22nd birthday. Her mum, Rebecca, hasn’t seen her in more than seven years. Leah was abducted by Islamist militants Boko Haram – but refused to deny Jesus.

Rebecca shares her prayer requests – for Leah and for all in captivity because of their faith. pic.twitter.com/IK0MtX7VDj

— Open Doors UK (@OpenDoorsUK) May 14, 2025

Rebecca has repeatedly called on people of faith and goodwill to continue praying for Leah and others who remain in captivity for their beliefs, stating that her faith remains firm that God will bring Leah home.

Leah’s refusal to deny Christ at age 15, even under threat of death, has made her a symbol of Christian perseverance. Her friends said Leah’s last message to her parents was to “pray for me.”

SaharaReporters had reported how in 2018, Boko Haram kidnapped over 110 schoolgirls from Dapchi.

One hundred and four of them were later released in March 2018, while five died on the day they were abducted.