The family of abducted Nigerian Christian teenager Leah Sharibu has spoken out after reports published over the weekend suggested that their daughter has given birth to the son of a Boko Haram commander and that she was forced to accept Islam.
A source close to the Borno-based Islamic extremist group told Sahara Reporters that Sharibu has given birth to a baby boy after she was forced to accept Islam and forcefully married to an unnamed Boko Haram commander.
Dr. Gloria Puldu, a spokesperson for the family and a lecturer at the University of Jos, considered the reports to be nothing more than rumors.
“I have seen reports that Leah had a baby boy. That is just a rumor as far as we are concerned,” Puldu told The Punch. “What we even desire is to see a proof-of-life so that we see Leah by ourselves. If they are able to have Leah safe, we will understand.”
Sharibu was kidnapped along with over 110 other schoolgirls taken from a school in Dapchi in February 2018. Although about girls five died and all others were eventually released, Sharibu continues to be held by Boko Haram, which is known for its kidnappings and killings across the Lake Chad region.
Sharibu was reportedly held back by the terrorist group because she refused to renounce her faith in Christ.
Puldu stressed that the most important thing to the Sharibu family is to have their daughter back alive — with or without the rumored child.
“And if she is alive, we will praise God for that,” Puldu said. “They should release her, despite whatever condition she is in. That is all. It doesn’t matter whether she is pregnant or with a baby. Is it not better to have your child alive? So it doesn’t matter; all we are interested in is her life and safety.”
Puldu spoke with one woman who escaped from Boko Haram captivity last week.
“I was able to speak with her one-on-one and she told us that she did not see Leah in captivity, but she was with Alison Gada, who informed her that Leah was alive, healthy and not dead,” Puldu said.
SOURCE: Christian Post, Samuel Smith
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