NGO confirms authenticity of video showing its workers in ISWAP custody, demands their release

Action Against Hunger, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has confirmed the authenticity of the video showing its workers in custody of suspected members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).

TheCable had published a video where one of the abducted aid workers appealed to the federal government, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the international community to come to her rescue.

Identified as Grace, the young woman, who wore a blue hijab, said she did not want to be killed.

Citing the instances of Hawa Liman and some aid workers who were killed in captivity, Grace sought the intervention of those who could save her.

In a statement on Thursday, Action Against Hunger confirmed that the video is authentic.

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

“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,” the statement read.

“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.”