The Ondo state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the federal government to secure the release of the only Christian girl among the kidnapped Dapchi girls.
The girl, Liya Sharibu, was not part of the 101 girls that were safely returned to their families by the Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday.
In a statement released by the chairman of the chapter, Rev Ayo Oladapo, the said its finds the government’s silence on the issue both sad and worrisome.
CAN described the silence of the President on Sharibu who is still with the Boko Haram insurgents as sad and worrisome.
The statement read: “It is painful to note that Liya Sharibu the only girl that still remains with the Boko Haram is said to be the only lady that refused to renounce her Christian faith
“With this development, It is clear that the battle is against Christianity. Information has it that the Boko Haram people came into Dapchi town majestically to return the girls
“They claim that they were not aware that the girls were Muslims, hence, they need to return them because they are Muslims When did it become a crime for a person to become a Christian in Nigeria?
“According to the girls, they were released because they were Muslims. Is it a crime to become a Christian in Nigeria? President Buhari should tell the whole world ” CAN asked.
The statement went on to call on Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to, as a Christian, ensure the safe return of Sharibu.
The statement added, ” It is painful that the government, civil society organization, human right activist kept mute on the only Christian girl that is still held captive
”We, therefore, demand that the President Muhammad Buhari and all his security outfits should without delay facilitate the immediate release of Layi Sharibu.
”It is becoming clearer that president Buhari’s administration is out to crush Christianity to nothing in this nation if he is keeping quiet on the only girl in captivity because of her faith in Christ Jesus.
”No wonder, President Buhari is not doing much as expected of him to stop the killings of people in the Christian community by the herdsmen.
“Pastor Professor Yemi Oshibanjo should not keep quiet as a Christian at this time, we encourage all Churches to please mobilize prayer for the release of Liya Sharibu to rejoin with the parents unharmed. We equally call on the International community to assist in the release of the Christian girl.”
