Just over two years ago, on the 19th February 2018, Leah Sharibu, a fourteen-year old schoolgirl, along with 109 of her schoolfriends, was kidnapped. The children were taken from their school in Dapchi, North-Eastern Nigeria by the Boko Haram terrorist group. 

Just over a month later 104 of the girls were returned, with 5 killed during transport, leaving Leah as the only remaining captive. It has been explained this is due to Leah's refusal to renounce Christianity and pledge herself to Islam. This was not a problem for the other girls, as Leah was the only Christian in the group.  

I was fortunate enough to attend a talk at Westminster Hall, held by the PSJ (Peace and Social Justice Organisation). With an intimate audience of only 20 or so people, Leah's mother, Rebecca Sharibu, gave a moving speech, illustrating the devastating effects of Leah's kidnapping. She stated, via translator Dr Gloria Puldu, 

'I am pleading with you to help me 

As a family we are in great pains' 

Baroness Caroline Cox has backed the development of this tragedy into a worldwide campaign to raise awareness and stop 'Silent Slaughter' within Nigeria. She gave the audience, made up of representatives from multiple religious charities, further examples of terrorist attacks within Nigeria. Baroness Cox listed examples of towns destroyed by Boko Haram, accompanied by pictures of the wreckage following the attacks. Through linking Leah's story to those of others, the widespread nature of terrorist attacks within Nigeria was clearly depicted. 

In an exclusive interview with Baroness Cox, I was told that the British Government 'ought to recognise the seriousness of what is happening.' 

Leah's tragedy is important in encouraging us to take action against the discrimination and violence within Nigeria. I hope this article has opened your eyes as it opened mine and I urge you to help end Silent Slaughter.