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Boko Haram kills nurse, threatens to murder Leah Sharibu
Boko Haram has killed one of the health workers kidnapped from Kala-Balge, Borno State, Saifura Khorsa, a midwife with the International Committee of Red Cross.
In a video seen by an online newspaper, The Cable, the deceased who was wearing a white hijab was shot from behind.
The sect also threatened to kill Hauwa Liman and Alice Ngaddah who were abducted alongside Khorsa in March, 2018, as well as Leah Sharibu, the remaining Dapchi schoolgirl in Boko Haram captivity.
At least four soldiers, policemen and three humanitarian workers were killed in the attack in Rann, Kala-Balge Local Government Area.
Liman, one of the workers abducted, had sent an audio to one of her friends, demanding that her parents be informed that she had been kidnapped.
Liman and Ngaddah, a mother of two, who worked with United Nations International Children Fund, were the ones in captivity among the three people abducted in Rann on March 1.
According to The Cable, the insurgents claimed that they had contacted the government over the captives but did not get any response.
“We contacted the government through writing and also sent audio messages but the government has ignored us. So, here is a message of blood,” said a spokesman of the group who did not give his name.
“The other nurse and midwife will be executed in a similar manner in one month, including Leah Sharibu,” the sect threatened.
The ICRC in a statement on Monday by its spokesman, Aleksandra Mosimann, condemned the killing, and described the action as sad while calling for the immediate release of the two others still in captivity.
The statement read, “The International Committee of the Red Cross condemns in the strongest terms the tragic killing of its abducted colleague Saifura Khorsa.
“It is appealing to the armed group to immediately release a second ICRC midwife and another health care worker taken in north-eastern Nigeria in March.”
The statement quoted the head of the ICRC delegation in Abuja, Eloi Fillion, as saying the murder was devastating.
He said, “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 working in a UNICEF-supported centre, were providing essential antenatal care to communities in Rann, whose population has more than doubled after an influx of people fleeing violence.”
“We urge those still holding our colleague, Hauwa, and Alice: release these women. Like Saifura, they are not part of the fight. They are a midwife and a nurse. They are daughters, a wife, and a mother – women with families that depend on them,” Fillion stated.
Since the women’s abduction six months ago, the ICRC said it had made sustained and committed efforts to secure the three healthcare workers’ release, stressing that it would continue to do everything in its power to ensure that Liman and Loksha were released and returned to their families immediately.
ICRC, in another statement by its Communication Officer, Eleojo Akpa, said it condemned the murder. It asked the Boko Haram insurgents to release another two workers still in their captivity.
Meanwhile, the United States has condemned the murder of Khorsa, describing it as a heinous and inhuman act.
The US embassy in Nigeria in a statement said, “We utterly condemn this heinous and inhuman act and stand in solidarity with the ICRC and all those who work in service with the Nigerian people.”
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, condemned the killing of Saifura.
A statement by Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, said, “The government of Nigeria strongly condemns this reprehensible and inhuman act. No religion permits the killing of the innocent.”
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Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria
Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
In a heartfelt message, The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has extended warm festive greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, and across Nigeria as the nation embarks on the joyous celebration of Christmas.
Recognizing the significance of this time of year, Olopade emphasized the essence of unity, love, and gratitude that the Christmas season embodies. He urged citizens to reflect on the virtues of compassion and generosity, which are particularly vital in fostering peace and harmony in communities.
“Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and togetherness. It reminds us of the values of love and kindness, which are fundamental to our social fabric,” said Olopade. “As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember those in need and extend a hand of support to one another.”
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, acknowledged the challenges that many have faced over the past year, including economic hardships and social unrest, yet he expressed optimism for the future. “In the spirit of Christmas, let us embrace hope and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Our unity and resilience can overcome any challenges we face.”
Olopade also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting peace and national unity, noting that the NSC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all Nigerians can participate in sports and recreational activities. He encouraged communities to engage in sports events during the festive period as a means to strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness.
As part of his Christmas message, Olopade called on everyone to prioritize the welfare of others, particularly the less fortunate. He urged individuals and organizations to consider charitable acts that can uplift those in need during this season of giving.
In closing, Bar. Bukola Olopade wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy. He expressed hope that the spirit of the season would inspire a renewed commitment to community service and cooperation among citizens.
As the festivities continue, the Chairman’s message resonates with the values of compassion, unity, and hope, encouraging all to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal
…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets
Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.
To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.
“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.
In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”
According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.
Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.
Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.
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