Buhari Condemns Killing of Red Cross Worker, Saifura, by Boko Haram

Malik Yahya & NAN/

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned and described as heinous and despicable, the killing of Ms Saifura Hussaini Khorsa, an aid worker, by Boko Haram terrorists.

Khorsa, who worked for the Red Cross, was kidnapped about six months ago at the Rann camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno by Boko Haram terrorists.

The President made the condemnation in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Monday.

The terrorists have equally threatened to harm others, including the lone Dapchi school girl, Leah Sharibu, still in their custody.

President Buhari said: “The government of Nigeria strongly condemns this reprehensible and inhuman act. No religion permits the killing of the innocent.

“Saifura worked for the Red Cross, a humanitarian organisation tirelessly working to bring succour to all the victims of violence irrespective of the sides of the conflict.’’

The President, therefore, appealed to Nigeria’s international partners and everyone with an influence on the terrorists to prevail on them “to stop these acts of extreme barbarism”.

Buhari further assured that his administration would seize “every given opportunity, with both hands and to use all means available to bring home all citizens being held against their will by the Boko Haram terrorists’’.

The President, on behalf of his family, the government and people of Nigeria extended condolences to the family of Saifura, the Red Cross and UNICEF over the loss of the “selfless and hardworking mother’’.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross bemoaning her killing by the bloodthirsty Boko Haram on Monday wondered how her two kids, now with their grandma would take the news of her death.

“Saifura, 25, was a devoted mother and midwife. Those who knew her said she adored her two children, a two-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl,” Eleojo Akpa, the ICRC Communications and Media Relations Officer, said.

“The children have not been able to comprehend their mother’s absence, as they frequently asked their grandmother if a passing plane was bringing their mother home.

“That grandmother must now find the words to tell the two children their mother will never return,” he added.

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