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Boko Haram threatens attacks on Sokoto

Radical Islamic sect Boko Haram has threatened to attack Sokoto in northern Nigeria, accusing security agents in the state of arresting “many” of its members … Continue reading Boko Haram threatens attacks on Sokoto


Boko Haram threatens attacks on Sokoto

Radical Islamic sect Boko Haram has threatened to attack Sokoto in northern Nigeria, accusing security agents in the state of arresting “many” of its members in Sokoto and demanded their immediate release.

Boko Haram threatens attacks on Sokoto

According to the Vanguard report, purpoted spokesman for the sect Abul Qaqa told journalists over the phone that Sokoto residents and near-by states ought to intervene in order to avoid a repeat of the Kano city blasts.

The sect calimed responsibility for the 20 January coordinated bomb and gun attacks that targets security buildings in Kano, northern Nigeria’s largest city, and claimed at least 185 lives. In his open letter to leaders of the state, the Boko Haram spokesman called on them to act in order to avoid mayhem.

Qaqa said: “This is an open letter to the emir of Sokoto (Sultan of Sokoto) Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal and the Acting Governor of Sokoto State.”

The sect claims to have also written a similar warning letter to senior citizens in Kano, prior to the deadly attacks, urging them to see to the release of their members held by police officers.

“Indeed, we sent three warnings to Kano before we strike,” Qaqa said.

He added: “What happened in Kano will be inevitable in Sokoto unless you (Sultan and others) intervene and ensure the immediate and unconditional release of our members who were specifically arrested in the city of Sokoto on Thursday.”

In the report by the Vanguard, Qaqa also dismissed President Jonathan’s call for dialogue, saying the President’s desire to dialogue contrasted with the arrests, detention and often times murder of sect members.

“Our members are being trailed and killed on one hand, and on the other hand, some people are telling us to surrender our arms and come out. This is impossible,” he said.