A purported spokesman for the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram says the group is engaged in direct talks with the government on ending violence in the country's north.
In
a statement obtained by VOA, Habu Mohammed, who claims to be a deputy to Boko
Haram leader Sheikh Abubakar Shekau, says the militant group decided to
initiate the peace moves in response to numerous public appeals for peace in
the country. The statement was given to VOA in Mecca.
The
Nigerian government has not responded to the claim, but senior Nigerian
officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the talks to VOA. They
would not provide additional details.
The
Islamic militant group has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks in
Nigeria, including church bombings and the bombing of a United Nations
building. The group has threatened international media organizations, including
VOA's Hausa service.
The
militant group has said it is fighting to create an Islamic state in northern
Nigeria and says it does not recognize the Nigerian government or the
constitution.
Several
previous attempts by the Nigerian government to engage Boko Haram have failed.
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