Residents of Dapchi in Yobe State have deserted streets and shut down businesses in anticipation of the return of Leah Sharibu, the only schoolgirl in Boko Haram captivity.

Leah is still held captive by Boko Haram insurgents for refusing to denounce her Christian faith after her colleagues have been released on Wednesday last week.

The situation has made Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris to shelve his planned visit to Dapchi yesterday afternoon after a courtesy call to Governor Ibrahim Gaidam at Government House Damaturu.

Our correspondent who visited the town revealed that shops, the motor park and businesses were closed while many residents lurked around the route the insurgents are expected to follow to witness their arrival.

A resident in the town, Mr Hussain Suleiman, said they were hopeful that the girl would be returned to her parents anytime soon.

Another resident, Mr Mohammed Dala said the insurgents were sighted at Bumsa village on their way to Dapchi to free the girl under their captivity.

Leah’s father, Mr Sharibu Natan, said they heard news from a credible source that his daughter was dropped at the town’s outskirt but she was yet return home.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police in an interview with newsmen at Theatre Command headquarters of Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri yesterday confirmed that Leah was on her way back home.

Daily Trust