The House of Representatives has called on the executive to as a matter of urgency, commence further negotiation for the safe release of the women who are still being held captive by Boko Haram terrorists.
The lawmakers made the call on Tuesday during plenary at the lower chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
This position followed the consideration of a motion sponsored by a lawmaker from Imo State, Mr Chike Okafor, on the urgent need to take steps to rescue the remaining captives from the custody of the insurgents
In his motion address, Mr Okafor told the lawmakers that it was a sad moment for them and the nation, since the killing of the second aid worker, Hauwa Liman, who was abducted along with some of her colleagues by the by Boko Haram early this year.
“It is painful to note that despite efforts by the Federal Government who opened a negotiation channel immediately and put all possible efforts on table to secure an agreeable bargain for the safe release of the abductees, unfortunately, Mr Speaker, the Boko Haram sect took a horrible path of executing these helpless and selfless voluntary health workers who gave their time on earth for the care and wellness of devastated Boko Haram victims,” he added.
Some lawmakers who also debated on the motion asked President Muhammadu Buhari to resign if he is unable to tackle the security challenges facing the country.
In another resolution, the House urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in collaborating with other nations to acquire advanced technology to tackle terrorism in the country.
The call for urgent negotiation with the insurgents comes a day after a faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), executed Hauwa who was an aid worker with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) until she was abducted in March this year.
The news of her death broke on Monday, after a deadline the terrorists gave to the Federal Government to meet their demands expired.
The action of the insurgents has been widely condemned by the Federal Government and humanitarian organisations, including the Red Cross and Amnesty International among others.