Nigeria: Action against Hunger condemns the execution of four more hostages and calls for the immediate release of the remaining hostage

The armed group responsible for kidnapping six humanitarian workers in north east Nigeria on 18 July, 2019 today claimed they have executed four hostages. This brings the number of fatalities to five. Action Against Hunger extends its deepest sympathies to their loved ones and our colleagues in Nigeria.

Last July, an employee of Action Against Hunger, two drivers and three health ministry personnel were kidnapped while delivering humanitarian aid to extremely vulnerable people in Borno State. The first hostage to be executed from the group was killed at the end of September earlier this year.

Action Against Hunger condemns these latest killings in the strongest terms and deeply regrets that its calls for the release of the hostages have not been acted upon. Action Against Hunger is extremely concerned and calls for the immediate release of its staff member, Grace, who remains in captivity.

Action Against Hunger states categorically that every attack against humanitarian workers ultimately impacts vulnerable civilians.

Action Against Hunger is currently providing food assistance every month to approximately 300,000 people in north east Nigeria who have no access to livelihoods and food. In addition, Action Against Hunger is reaching thousands more with life-saving health and nutrition services.

Action Against Hunger requests that the public and media respect the dignity of the victims and the privacy of their families by not sharing images or videos that may circulate on the Internet.

Action Against Hunger no more comments at this stage.