‘Our volunteers not killed by Boko Haram’— Red Cross reacts to viral video

The Nigerian Red Cross Society has refuted reports that two of its volunteers were killed by Boko Haram terrorists. 

Reports have been swirling that members of the sect murdered two Red Cross personnel in Ngoshe community, Gwoza LGA of Borno state.

Videos of the alleged executions have been circulated as well. 

Chima Nwankwo, coordinator of communications and advocacy of the Red Cross in Nigeria, told TheCable that the stories were untrue. 

“I wish to categorically state that this report is entirely false and without foundation,” he said.

“No Red Cross volunteer has been killed or harmed in the line of duty.

“We take the safety and security of our volunteers very seriously and are deeply concerned that such inaccurate and sensational reporting can cause unnecessary distress to families and the public.”

THE VIDEO

The viral video, which surfaced on Wednesday, purportedly showed Boko Haram members claiming responsibility for the murder of several individuals, in retaliation for what they alleged to be molestation by security agencies.

The group’s leader, who spoke in Hausa, alleged that they had captured Red Cross staff alongside some women, one of whom he said was a relative.

He claimed they would release the elderly women and execute the rest of the captives. 

“Many of our elders and children have been molested by security agencies, but Allah (God), in his infinite mercy to our struggles, has successfully led to the arrest of some staff working with Red Cross as well as some elderly women, including one of my sisters,” he said.

“This is in addition to the successful killing of many security agencies and infidels, and our great enemies.

“With these saboteurs we have captured, one of the females is my sister. But because these women appear to be old in age, we will allow them to go free while we execute the remaining enemies to indicate that we are fully on ground and to show the world that God Almighty is on our side as true Muslims.”

The clip also depicted the execution of the victims with an axe, accompanied by chants of “Allahu Akbar (God is Great)” from members.

The group also pledged to escalate their attacks under the leadership of one ‘Sheikh Abu Sumaiyya’.