Rebecca Sharibu, the mother of Liya Sharibu, who is the only Dapchi schoolgirl still in Boko Haram captivity because she refused to denounce her Christian faith, has spoken about her daughter's abduction and how Liya came to be such a courageous girl.
Speaking to Emmanuel Ogebe, Liya's mother said she's hopeful her daughter returns home to her, but adds that even if Liya is killed for what she believes in, she is confident that they will meet again someday.
Liya’s father, Nathan Sharibu, did not speak but was also pictured during the interview.
Read the interview as conducted by Ogebe below.
Interviewer: What is your name?
Mother: My name is Rebecca Sharibu.
Interviewer: What is Leah’s date of birth?
Mother: Leah’s date of birth is 2003.
Interviewer: What does Leah like?
Mother: Leah likes to help me doing the house chores. When she’s around I do nothing.
Interviewer: What do you like the most about your daughter?
Mother: I like Leah’s attitude of helping me. Leah always wants to do work even before you talk to her, so actually before I wake up from the bed Leah will wash the flats and sweep off the environment.
Interviewer: Where did Leah get this kind of faith?
Mother: It is from us because we teach her.
Interviewer: What church do you attend?
Mother: Evangelical church winning all (Ecwa) Dapchi.
Interviewer: How do you feel about Leah’s courage?
Mother: I am happy because Leah is doing the right thing. Even if they shoot Leah there, we believe that she will be with Christ Jesus.
Interviewer: What does Leah want to become in the future?
Mother: Leah wants to be a scientist. She always wants to read science.
Interviewer: Did you know that Leah is famous and people all over Nigeria are praying for her?
Mother: Yes, I know.
Interviewer: What message do you have for your daughter?
Mother: That God may continue to keep her in good health and bring her back safely.
Interviewer: What’s your message to the terrorists?
Mother: I said that even if we are told today that they’ve shot Leah, I thank God that Leah is still Christian, and that one day I will see her again.
Interviewer: What message to those praying for Leah?
Mother: May God accept and answer all their prayers.
Interviewer: Are your other children still going to school?
Mother: Yes Leah’s brother is in SS1. We only have 2 children, Leah and her brother.
Interviewer: What did they say was the reason that Leah did not return?
Mother: Because Leah is a Christian and she did not renounce Christ in order to become a Muslim, that is why.
Interviewer: How old are you, Rebecca?
Mother: I am 40 years old.
