Saifura Hussaini Ahmed Khorsa, the worker of the International Committtee of the Red Cross , murdered by Boko Haram terrorists, was a nurse as well as the mother of two adorable kids.
The Red Cross bemoaning her killing by the blood thirsty Boko Haram on Monday wondered how the kids, now with their grandma would take 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”, said Eleojo Akpa, the ICRC Communications and Media Relations Officer.
“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 said.
The killing of the 25 year-old woman was condemned by Red Cross (ICRC), which also appealed to the Boko Haram to immediately release a second ICRC midwife and a healthcare worker who were also abducted in March at Rann, Borno state.
Eloi Fillion, the Head, ICRC delegation in Abuja said: “We are devastated by the murder of our colleague, Saifura.
“Saifura moved to Rann to selflessly help those in need. Our thoughts are with her family and other loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“At the time of their abduction, Saifura, as well as our colleague, Hauwa Mohammed Liman, and Alice Loksha, a nurse with UNICEF-supported centre, were providing essential ante-natal care to communities in Rann.
“Rann’s population has more than doubled after an influx of people fleeing violence,’’ he said.
Fillion urged the abductors still holding Hauwa and Alice to release them as they were not part of the fight.
“However, ICRC would not comment on the identity of the women’s abductors, their motives or the details surrounding Saifura’s death,’’ Fillion said.
He noted that since the women’s abduction six months ago, ICRC had made sustained and committed efforts to securing the release of the three health care workers.
Fillion added that the organisation would continue to make efforts in ensuring that Hauwa and Alice were released and returned to their families immediately.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned and described as heinous and despicable, the killing of Ms Saifura Hussaini Khorsa, by the Boko Haram terrorists.
Saifura 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 Red Cross and UNICEF over the loss of the “selfless and hardworking mother.’’
