According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Islamic State in Nigeria might kill healthcare workers it has held hostage since March within 24 hours,  pleading for mercy and urging Nigeria’s government to intervene.

Medical workers Hauwa Mohammed Liman and Alice Loksha were kidnapped in March along with ICRC midwife Saifura Hussaini Ahmed Khorsa, who was killed in September. The armed group is also holding a 15-year-old schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu, who was abducted in February from her school in the town of Dapchi.

According to the ICRC, speed and urgency are critical, as the deadline that could result in the killing of another healthcare worker is less than 24 hours away.