The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) group, has urged the federal government to return to the negotiation table in order to endure the release of Liya Sharibu, the only Christian among the 110 girls who were abducted from the school in Dapchi.
The appeal was made by the group’s director, Ishaq Akintola, on Thursday, March 22 upon the release of 104 girls.
“We reject Boko Haram as an Islamic group. We urge the leadership and members of the group to re-examine its ideological base. Liya Sharibu must be set free because the basis for holding her after setting her schoolmates free is faulty and un-Islamic.”
“We charge FG to go back to the negotiation table in order to secure the release of the only Christian girl among the Dapchi girls who is being held back by the insurgents. FG should note that Boko Haram is not as daft as many people think. ”
“By withholding the Christian girl, they seek to divide Nigerians once again along religious lines.” said MURIC who praised Sharibu, for her courage in firmly refusing to bow to pressure, in violation of her fundamental human right.
“Our hearts are heavy with grief over her plight. We salute her courage. Shame on Boko Haram for oppressing a lone, vulnerable and helpless girl. Shame on all those who suppress freedom of worship. “We appeal to Nigerians to invoke special prayers in the mosques and churches for this Christian girl who had the courage to stare her oppressors in the face. We should also continue to pray for the remaining Chibok girls.”
Nata Sharibu, father of the remaining student of Federal Government Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe state still in captivity, said his daughter’s refusal to denounce God; and so, the terrorists decided not to release her.
During an interview shortly after the release of the other girls Mr Sharibu said his daughter had rejected the terrorists’ option of converting to Islam. though he expressed joy at her decision, he still prayed for her safe return.