Dapchi residents disappointed as lone remaining abducted schoolgirl Leah Sheribu not released last night

LOCAL residents in Dapchi were disappointed last night as their hopes of receiving the abducted Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) schoolgirl Leah Sheribu yet to be released were dashed as she was not handed over.

Leah was the only of the kidnapped GGSTC schoolgirls not released last week when Boko freed 105 of them who are still alive. On February 19, Boko Haram, abducted the girls but released them after intense negotiations, however, Leah was not among those girls set free but talks have been going on to secure her release too.

Residents picked up information about Leah’s possible return at about noon yesterday and Boko Haram members were said to be on their way to the town with her. Moments after the information spread, some residents quickly went into hiding, some locked themselves up at home, while shop owners shut down.

In addition, the streets were soon deserted for fear that the Boko Haram members might have a different agenda. Some residents even went as far as posting on their Facebook pages detailing the location and the time the insurgents will arrive the expectant town but unfortunately, were disappointed.

Also, soldiers deployed to the town also withdrew  from security check points on the road leading into and out of the town apparently to give the Boko Haram visitors a smooth entry and exit. Inspector-general Ibrahim Idris who was also scheduled to visit the town yesterday called it off.

Mr Idris said: “I am supposed to go to Dapchi yesterday but because I learnt that Leah may be released I had to shelve my trip to the town. It is very understandable that is such circumstance one does not create too much security presence in the area in a manner that it could sabotage the efforts being made there.

“You know, I move with helicopter and by the time I fly into the area Boko Haram may think I break what the understanding may have been there. So, I have to postpone the visit to Dapchi.”

Leah’s father, Nathan Sheribu, added: "I heard about the release of my daughter from the media. Many people were calling me and congratulating me but I have not seen my daughter up to the time we are talking now.”