How aid worker captured by Boko Haram ‘was forced’ to write his obituary two weeks after wedding (updated)

Emmanuel Peter, a humanitarian aid worker who was abducted in the north-east region, was reportedly forced to announce his obituary days after his kidnap.

The insurgents abducted him at Jakana along Damaturu-Maiduguri road in Yobe state, on Wednesday, and two days later, a post was made on his Facebook page, announcing that he was “already dead”.

At 12:25am on Friday, Peter’s Facebook profile picture changed to an image with a black background. His cover photo also changed.

Some minutes later, an obituary was shared on his timeline. It’s unclear if the post was shared by Peter or one of his abductors.

“Hey fellows…am already dead..dnt work any me..jst worry any ur self’s..papa..sorry I can’t get d corps in other to bury..c u in d hereafter.bt am in hell.n j hope u guys wl come n mit me soon,” the post read.

The insurgents were said to found out that he worked with a humanitarian organisation, though he reportedly denied his link with the agency.

His captors reportedly browsed through his iPad where they found adequate information on him.

Two weeks before his reported death on his Facebook page, Peter wedded his wife at Eyn state low-cost in Jimeta, Yola, capital of Adamawa state.

A flurry of congratulatory messages followed the wedding ceremony on November 28.

On Facebook, one Hannatu Ali Buba Thilza, wrote: “Let’s me drop it here, congratulations baby.  am happy for you.”

The north-east region has been plagued with insecurity crisis, with several individuals abducted and killed, while government has repeatedly said it is on top of the situation.