Indications have emerged that talks are truly
ongoing between the Federal Government
and the Boko Haram group, but disagreement
in the three departments within the group
over the release of the abducted Chibok girls,
as well as cooperation with the Federal
Government to end insurgency, might have
been responsible for renewed attacks in
parts of the North-East.
According to Vanguard, while two blocs-the
political wing and Jama’atul Ahlus Sunna Lid
Da’awatis Jihad, JAS – had agreed to enter
into peace deal with the Federal Government
and free the girls, the last bloc, loyal to
Shekau insisted on the arrest and
prosecution of a former governor, whom they
claim committed crimes against their
members.
The news media cited a security expert
involved in FG’s negotiations with the sect,
saying that the faction, which has many
commanders and fighters were unhappy with
government for not arresting and prosecuting
the said top politician.
“Let me tell you the truth, some of the JAS
and the political wing of Boko Haram had
agreed to make peace with the Federal
Government and release the Chibok girls to
their parents but when those opposed to
them learnt of it, they threatened to execute
the commanders if they enter into any
negotiation with the government,” the source
said.
“The renewed violence unleashed on the
country today is a reaction of Boko Haram
faction opposed to those trying to seal a
peace deal with the government in Chad,”
Vanguard quoted the source as saying.
The source also said that the Boko Haram
leadership was disappointed in the
government for continuing to wine and dine
with the said politician.
Although, the source did not mention a name,
his description suggests the terrorists were
referring to former Borno State governor Ali
Modu Sheriff, who had for long been
suspected to have links with the sect. The
former governor had however denied links as
many times as he was accused. Several
Nigerians have also criticised the
administration of President Goodluck
Jonathan for of lacking the political will to
end insurgency in the country, as they argue
people like Sheriff, who are suspected to
have links with terror groups should be
thoroughly investigated to ascertain their
involvement.
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