The United Nations has called for immediate release of Alice Lokshah, a nurse and mother, kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents during the deadly attack on Rann town, Borno, on March 1, 2018.
Edward Kallon, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, made the appeal in a statement issued by Samantha Newport, Head of Communications, OCHA, on Friday in Abuja.
While commemorating the deadly attack on humanitarian workers at Rann, Kallon said non-state armed groups kidnapped three female aid workers during the attack.
He said: “Saifura Khorsa was executed by her captors in Sept. 2018 while Hauwa Liman was also executed in October 2018.
“Alice Lokshah, a nurse and mother, is still being held. The United Nations calls for the immediate release of Alice, and for her safe return to her family.
“Today marks one year since the deadly attack on Rann town in Borno state. Today is a day of mixed emotions for everyone involved in humanitarian work.
“We remember those we lost as a result of the attack on Rann. In their memory, we also celebrate the strength, resilience and compassion of the humanitarian spirit. We honour our departed friends for their sacrifice, courage and selfless service.”
He said the most meaningful tribute to the lives of these aid workers was to carry on their work with conviction in the humanitarian principles we stand for and uphold.
Kallon added that the attack claimed young lives of three dedicated aid workers, who were providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to thousands of internally displaced people there.
He added that the attack sent shockwaves through our community of aid workers from the UN and non-governmental organisations.
He said: “Any time violence claims an innocent life, it affects us all. But even more so when it robs us of young and talented professionals, full of hope and promise, dedicated to serving their fellow countrymen and women.
“That is a shock that strikes at the very core of our humanity.”
