Now, we can sleep in peace: Obaida’s dad

dubai — It was a day of relief for Ibrahim Al Aqrabawi, father of Obaida, the eight-year-old boy who was kidnapped and killed by Nidal Issa Abdullah.

After the execution of his son’s killer, the father said now his family can sleep with peaceful mind as justice has been prevailed. “Now, I feel that my son will rest in peace and God will bless us with patience to bear with the loss of Obaida. I thank the UAE leaders who preserve rights of every one in the country and implement the laws for all, regardless of their origins, beliefs and colours.

After witnessing the execution of Nidal Issa Abdullah, Al Aqrabawi said he was waiting for the day of justice impatiently. “I was informed three days ago about the execution of the murderer and since then, myself and the mother of Obaida were feeling relieved.

“I went to Al Aweer prison with my three brothers early in the morning. There, the accused was being held alone in a cell since he had received death threats. I saw him face to face. There was no fear on his face, but he asked me to pardon him before the execution. But I rejected his request, because it is not easy for us to forget the way we lost our child. He said that he should die as this will be (a lesson) to any criminal who tries to harm other children,” said Al Aqrabawi.

I thank the UAE leaders who preserve rights of everyone in the country and implement the laws for all, regardless of their origins, beliefs and colours.”

Ibrahim Al Aqrabawi, father of Obaida

“He was dressed in a black prison suit with his arms tied behind his back. Later, he was driven the short distance to a nearby patch of land. There, the firing squad shot at him thrice, but he didn’t die. Then, the squad put a circle on his forehead and shot him dead.” The father of the murdered eight-year-old boy urged parents in the UAE to be attentive to their children. Don’t trust any stranger or let others get close to your children, he said.

Obaida’s uncle Faraj said all the family members are relieved after the execution. He thanked the UAE leaders for doing the needful to protect children and prevent such awful crimes from taking place.

amira@khaleejtimes.com