FIDES, the News Agency for the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, quoting an article on the Nigerian Tribune website, is reporting that part of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, which operates in northern Nigeria, has agreed to a ceasefire. According to the website, a group suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect claimed to have held a closed-door meeting with the Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, and other top government officials and religious leaders from the state.
Briefing journalists Sheikh Abu Mohammad Abdulazeez Ibn Idris, commander of Boko Haram in Northern and Central Borno, said that after due consultation with the leader of the sect, Shiekh Abubakar Shekau, have all come to terms and agreed to lay down their arms. Sheikh Abdulazeez added, however, that the government should immediately release all their members of Boko Haram in detention unconditionally. The leader of Boko Haram has recognized that because of their attacks, large numbers of Muslim women and children have suffered, and that they have decided to lay down their arms to avoid further suffering to civilians. Boko Haram has carried out several attacks on churches and other Christian places of worship, but has also hit Islamic leaders, considered “moderate.”
There is no confirmation that the information supplied by the Nigerian Tribune is correct though all peace-loving Nigerians and those beyond the country will pray earnestly that it is so.