The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in northern Nigeria yesterday converged on Jos, the state capital, and called on Federal Government to negotiate the release of Miss Leah Sharibu, still being held captive by Boko Haram insurgents because of her Christian faith.

Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Yakubu Pam, said the continued detention of Sharibu by her abductors without the intervention of Federal Government was suspicious of the alleged plan to Islamise the country.

“I want to draw the attention of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue of Miss Leah Sharibu, who is yet to regain her freedom from the captivity of Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.

“Christian communities in the northern states and Nigeria are waiting eagerly for the release of Miss Leah Sharibu, the Dapchi Christians schoolgirl that is still in the captivity of Boko Haram insurgents that took her and over a hundred Muslim schoolgirls from their school compound in Dapchi, Yobe State recently.

“While her schoolmates have regained their freedom, Miss Leah Sharibu is still being held by Boko Haram insurgents on account of her faith and refusal to be converted to Islam. We condemn this act and say that such should be totally condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.”

Similarly, President of Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN), Rev. Dachollom Datiri, at the end of the 94th General Church Council in Jos, challenged President Buhari to facilitate the release of Sharibu. Daitir, who expressed dismay over the continued detention of the schoolgirl in Boko Haram’s captivity, said the Federal Government should take appropriate action and secure the release of the girl for religious harmony. (New Telegraph)