Rebecca Sharibu, mother of Leah Sharibu, the only Dapchi girl still held by Boko Haram, has condoled with the family of Hauwa Liman recently executed by the terrorist group.
Liman, 24, was working as a nurse with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) when she was abducted along with two others at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State last year.
Her execution followed that of another aid worker, Saifura Khorsa, last month, leaving Leah Sharibu and another aid worker in the custody of the insurgents.
Speaking with a correspondent of The Nation on phone, Mrs Sharibu called on God to comfort Liman’s family while praying for the repose of her soul.
According to her, the killing of the aid worker just a few days after the visit of the Federal Government delegation has brought more trauma and disappointment for her but she still hopes for the freedom of her daughter.
“I feel so sad for the killing of Hauwa. Her death has brought more trauma and confusion for us because the government people visited us just a few days assuring us of the freedom of our children then suddenly the news of the killing of Hauwa came in.
“My prayer is for Almighty God to comfort her family and grant her soul peace. I am sure that Hauwa is in the bosom of our Lord. For dying in service for humanity, God will surely grant her peace.
“The last wish of a parent is to see the death of his child. This one is worse because you can’t even see the dead body of your child. Only God can comfort the family,” Mrs. Sharibu said.
Speaking of her trauma, Mrs Sharibu said, “I must tell you that it has not been easy with me and my family. When I heard that they killed Hauwa, I broke down and cried but I still stood up and prayed to God to spare the life of my daughter, Leah. I was actually taken aback by the development but there is nothing God cannot do.”
On Boko Haram’s threat that they will keep her daughter as a slave for life, Leah’s mother said “I am calling on the Federal Government not to relent from their efforts and promises to secure the release of my daughter and any other person in the hands of Boko Haram.
“At least they have told us that Leah is still alive so we are still hopeful. We can’t lose hope and I am sure God will answer our prayers by touching the hearts of Boko Haram to release my daughter for me.”
