“Nothing can justify Hauwa’s killing” – ICRC
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reacted to the killing of one of its healthcare workers by a faction of the Boko Haram terrorist sect on Monday.
Hauwa Liman, 24, was killed following threats by the Islamic State’s West African province (ISWAP) to execute her and her colleague, Alice Loksha, if certain demands were not met by the government.
The ICRC had pleaded with the terrorists to spare their lives, saying that the aid workers weren’t involved in any fight.
The organisation said on Tuesday that Hauwa’s death was devastating and hard to take.
“The news of Hauwa’s death has broken our hearts,” ICRC’s Regional Director for Africa, Patricia Danzi, said.
“We appealed for mercy and an end to such senseless murders. How can it be that two female health care workers were killed back-to-back? Nothing can justify this.”
The organisation further described the deceased as a sociable, dynamic and enthusiastic woman who was much loved by family and friends.
“She was truly dedicated to her work helping vulnerable women in her family’s home area,” it said.
Danzi also called for the release of Alice and Leah Sharibu, who the terrorist sect has reportedly vowed to enslave for life.
“Hauwa and Saifura’s deaths are not only a tragedy for their families, but they will also be felt by thousands of people in Rann and other conflict-affected areas of north-east Nigeria where accessing health care remains a challenge. We urge the group holding Alice and Leah to release them safely,” she said.
