The Stefanos Foundation has expressed outrage and concern over the alleged forceful abduction of teenage Christian girls in Northern Nigeria, particularly the case of Leah Sharibu, that Daybreak Newspaper reported to have been rescued. but the Borno State Government is refusing to release Leah to her parents unless she remains a Muslim.
“This is a clear violation of Leah’s fundamental human rights and contravenes sections 35, 37, 38, and 43 of the 1999 CFRN,” said Salifu, Chairman of the Stefanos Foundation. “It portrays Christians as second-class citizens in their own country, which is unacceptable.”
The foundation cited several examples of forceful abductions and conversions of Christian girls in Northern Nigeria, including:
– The case of Godiya, a 14-year-old Christian girl abducted by Jamilu Lawan, a Muslim man, who forced her to convert to Islam and marry him.
– The case of Habiba, a 16-year-old Christian girl abducted by a group of Muslim men who forced her to convert to Islam and marry one of them.
– The case of Rebecca, a 15-year-old Christian girl abducted by Boko Haram insurgents who forced her to convert to Islam and marry one of the insurgents.
“These cases are just a few examples of the many Christian girls who have been abducted and forced to convert to Islam in Northern Nigeria,” Salifu said. “It is a clear pattern of persecution and discrimination against Christians in the region.”
The foundation is calling on the government, security agencies, and law enforcement agencies to ensure the protection and emancipation of young Christian girls in Northern Nigeria. “The liberty and guaranteed rights of these girls will promote gender inclusivity, education, and consequently bring about a sane Nigeria,” Salifu emphasized.
Furthermore, the foundation demands an investigation into the abduction of Godiya and Habiba and their connection to Jamilu Lawan. “We urge the international community to intervene in this matter to ensure the protection of human rights and the safety of Christian girls in Northern Nigeria,” Salifu added.
The Stefanos Foundation is advocating for the immediate release of Leah Sharibu and other abducted Christian girls, emphasizing that their freedom is crucial for a harmonious and inclusive society.
The Stefanos Foundation has expressed outrage and concern over the alleged forceful abduction of teenage Christian girls in Northern Nigeria, particularly the case of Leah Sharibu, one of the rescued Chibok girls. According to the foundation, the Borno State Government is refusing to release Leah to her parents unless she remains a Muslim.
“This is a clear violation of Leah’s fundamental human rights and contravenes sections 35, 37, 38, and 43 of the 1999 CFRN,” said Salifu, Chairman of the Stefanos Foundation. “It portrays Christians as second-class citizens in their own country, which is unacceptable.”
The foundation cited several examples of forceful abductions and conversions of Christian girls in Northern Nigeria, including:
– The case of Godiya, a 14-year-old Christian girl abducted by Jamilu Lawan, a Muslim man, who forced her to convert to Islam and marry him.
– The case of Habiba, a 16-year-old Christian girl abducted by a group of Muslim men who forced her to convert to Islam and marry one of them.
– The case of Rebecca, a 15-year-old Christian girl abducted by Boko Haram insurgents who forced her to convert to Islam and marry one of the insurgents.
“These cases are just a few examples of the many Christian girls who have been abducted and forced to convert to Islam in Northern Nigeria,” Salifu said. “It is a clear pattern of persecution and discrimination against Christians in the region.”
The foundation is calling on the government, security agencies, and law enforcement agencies to ensure the protection and emancipation of young Christian girls in Northern Nigeria. “The liberty and guaranteed rights of these girls will promote gender inclusivity, education, and consequently bring about a sane Nigeria,” Salifu emphasized.
Furthermore, the foundation demands an investigation into the abduction of Godiya and Habiba and their connection to Jamilu Lawan. “We urge the international community to intervene in this matter to ensure the protection of human rights and the safety of Christian girls in Northern Nigeria,” Salifu added.
The Stefanos Foundation is advocating for the immediate release of Leah Sharibu and other abducted Christian girls, emphasizing that their freedom is crucial for a harmonious and inclusive society.