President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that Christians and Muslims are all sons of Abraham despite religious differences.
He made this known on the second anniversary of the Dapchi schoolgirls abducted by members of the Boko Haram terrorists.
President Buhari also expressed regret that Leah Sharibu was the only schoolgirl left in captivity.
He said: “Two years ago, 110 innocent children from the town of Dapchi were taken, against their will, by the terrorists of Boko Haram. Some 107 survived the ordeal. Today, all but one – Leah Sharibu – are returned to their families.
“Now aged 16, Leah remains in the hands of the terrorists – they say because she refuses to renounce her Christian faith.
“We say, as the government for and of all Nigerians, that no person has the right to force another to change their faith against their will and that all life is sacred.
“This government continues and seeks to secure the release of all children and captives of terrorists – and we do so regardless of their creed or the name of their creator.
“As we redouble our efforts for Leah’s return, we can never allow the terrorists to divide us – Christian against Muslim, Muslim against Christian. We are all Sons of Abraham. And all Nigerians have the same worth and rights before the law, and before God,” he said.