Saraki criticises killing of Hauwa Liman by Boko Haram

The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has criticised the killing of Hauwa Liman, an aid worker with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), by Boko Haram insurgents.

Saraki made this known in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu in Abuja on Tuesday.

He noted that humanitarian workers, who worked in crisis zones to provide necessary support for victims were selfless and courageous persons and should never be targets of harm.

Also, the Senate on Tuesday observed a two-minute silence in honour of the late Liman.

This observance followed a motion raised by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and subsequent debate on the issue where the Senate resolved to pay official condolence visit to the family of the deceased.

The Red Chamber also resolved to ensure that the Federal Government, through its security agencies, took necessary measures to secure the release of both Leah Sharibu and other surviving members of the ICRC being held hostage by the insurgents.

He commiserated with the family of the deceased and the ICRC over the unfortunate incident and stated that the Senate would continue to work with the nation’s Armed Forces to stop the killings and improve security across the country.

The statement further noted that Saraki had earlier in a tweet on his personal handle, @bukolasaraki, wrote that: “I join Nigerians and the international community in condemning the murder of Hauwa Liman – an aid worker with @ICRC, by Boko Haram.

“As I said on the 18th of Sept. 2018, humanitarian workers who go into troubled spots to alleviate people’s suffering are some of the most courageous and selfless people on the planet.

“They are #NotATarget,’’ he added.

“My colleagues and I in the Nigerian Senate remain committed to continue working with our Armed Forces to find a lasting solution to these senseless killings by insurgents and improve our security infrastructure,” he stated.