The Islamic fundamentalist sect – Boko Haram – is continuing their attacks on both Christians and Muslims. Their recent attack on a Mosque in Konduga and the neighbouring village of Ngom, in the northeast of Nigeria, has left more than 50 people dead.
Boko Haram wants to establish Nigeria as an Islamic state, subject to Sharia law.
In recent months the Nigerian military authorities have encouraged the formation of ‘citizen vigilante groups’ to help defeat Boko Haram which has killed more than 2,500 people, mainly Christian but in more recent times they have also turned against fellow-Muslims they consider are not sufficiently faithful to the Koran. It is believed that some of the most recent attacks are an attempt to intimidate people from forming such ‘vigilante groups’.
The man believed to lead Boko Haram – Abubakar Shekau – has been declared a terrorist by the US Government and they have put a $7million bounty for his capture.
Recently the US Government closed several Embassies and Consulates because of an unspecified threat to their interests. It is believed that this was the result of a ‘conference call’ between leading members of al Qaeda, which included a Boko Haram representative, as well as the Taliban and al Qaeda representatives from different countries.
The Nigerian Army continues to seek out Boko Haram insurgents, the latest of which took place in Sokoto City on Saturday last, 10 August. They made several arrests and it is believed, though unconfirmed, that some people died in the military action.
As Boko Haram turns its firepower on both Muslim and Christians who are only concerned with making a living and caring for their families it is apparent that more and more people are becoming disillusioned with what they are doing. The Reuters News Agency has an interesting report on this: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/11/us-nigeria-vigilantes-analysis-idUSBRE97A04120130811