Leah Sharibu: NGO confirms authenticity of video, calls for release of aid workers

- Action Against Hunger has confirmed that the video showing its workers in custody of suspected members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province is authentic

- The NGO also demanded that the workers should be released, describing their detention as a violation of the humanitarian laws on conflict

- The organization expressed its full support and comfort to the captive workers, as well as to their families and friends

A non-governmental organization, Action Against Hunger, has confirmed that the video showing its workers in custody of suspected members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) is authentic.

The NGO confirmed the authenticity of the video in a statement released on Thursday, July 25, The Cable reports.

READ ALSO: Tension as B/Haram terrorists allegedly attack Borno IDP camp

Legit.ng notes that a video had surfaced, showing an aid worker identified as Grace, speaking on behalf of five other colleagues.

Wearing a blue hijab, she appealed to the federal government, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the international community, to come to their rescue, as they did not want to be killed.

Grace sought the intervention of those who could save her, as she cited the instances of Hauwa Liman and some other aid workers who were killed in captivity. She also stated that Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu, had been killed in captivity.

Confirming the authenticity of the video, Action Against Hunger demanded that the workers should be released, describing their detention as a violation of the humanitarian laws on conflict.

The statement read: “A video released on Wednesday, July 24 in the evening shows the female Action Against Hunger staff member alongside five companions (drivers and health workers engaged in a humanitarian programme run by Action Against Hunger in Damasak region, Borno State) apparently in good health condition.

“Action Against Hunger strongly requests that our staff member and her companions be released.

“They are humanitarians and health workers and they chose to dedicate their lives to support the most vulnerable communities in Nigeria. They were only in pursuit of solidarity, humanity and neutrality.

“Their abduction fully contradicts international humanitarian law and internationally recognized standards for the protection of humanitarian workers and organizations.

“All Action Against Hunger teams and staff express their full support and comfort to our colleague and to her companions who are being detained, as well as to their families and friends.”

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the presidency reacted to the trending Boko Haram video showing some abducted aid workers and in which it was claimed that Leah Sharibu had been killed.

In a short statement, Garba Shehu, a spokesperson of President Muhammadu Buhari, said the presidency had been briefed concerning the video.

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Is President Buhari really unable to rescue Leah Sharibu from Boko Haram? - on Legit TV:

Source: Legit.ng