The Federal Government a few hours ago, has released a statement on the killing of Hauwa Liman, saying the Presidency received the new with shock, and also saddened at the killing of another aid worker by Boko Haram on Monday, despite the actions taken by the government and the widespread appeal to save the young woman.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the killing as dastardly, inhuman and ungodly, saying nothing can justify the shedding of the blood of innocent people. He commiserated with the family of Hauwa Liman, noting that the
Federal Government did all within its powers to save her life. He said:
“It is very unfortunate that it has come to this. Before and after
the deadline issued by her abductors, the Federal Government did everything any responsible government should do to save Hauwa Liman.”
“As we have been doing since these young women were abducted, we kept the line of negotiations opens all through. In all the negotiations, we acted in the best interest of the women and the country as a whole.”
“We are deeply pained by this killing, just like we were by the recent killing of Saifura Ahmed, the first aid worker. However, we will keep the negotiations open and continue to work to free the innocent women who remain in the custody of their abductors,” the Minister said.
He thanked all the friendly governments that have continued to work with Nigeria for the safe release of the abducted women, and the clerics across religious lines who have been pleading for their release.
This will not be the first time Boko Haram will be killing an aid worker in their custody, as Hauwa Liman is just the second victim this year alone and they have threatened to do more.