Boko Haram Targets Aso Rock...Wants JTF Withdrawn!

From daring Boko Haram came a threat yesterday that the Islamic militants have listed the Presidential Villa, Abuja as target. Their spokesman, Mallam Abu Zaid, who spoke to journalists on phone in Maiduguri, Borno State yesterday, also called for the removal of troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) troops from the state, maintaining that their presence was a sad tale for innocent people.



The group said that it knew its targets, adding that members of the sect may consider temporary ceasefire should all the soldiers on the streets of Maiduguri are withdrawn.
Zaid admitted that their men carried out attacks on some banks in the state, adding that they were compelled to attack the banks because they were not operating within the precepts of Islam. "They are not working for the cause of the masses and they are not operating within the Islamic system, and we attacked them because we believe it is our right to do so," he maintained. He vowed that the scet would continue to attack the banks.
He assured that the Sharia system which the sect advocates for would not only guarantee the rights of non-Muslims, but also protect them. He stressed that the sect would determined to carry on with their agitation should those in government fail to accede to their conditions.
The group was reacting to a report that it planned to attack the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in the Borno State capital. "We were surprised to hear the rumour that we are planning to attack the university. This to us is belittling and it is as if people are underrating us when we are aiming at the Aso Rock Villa," he disclosed.
The spokesman also claimed that only 19 of its members have been killed since the sect began its serial attacks and bombings after the July 2009 insurgence.
He advised journalists to continue to be true mediators in the troubled state. His words: "Report whatever government says and report our own side too but if you take side and change from this way, you will no longer be a true mediator again and we won't see you as such."
The claim of attack had led to the closure of the institution amidst fears of further deadly confrontation between Boko Haram members and the troops even as five fleeing, residents of Maiduguri died in a road accident at Damaturu, Yobe State, yesterday.
The Federal Government had on Tuesday waived the olive branch to the militants, saying it was prepared to parley with members of the sect if only to guarantee peace. The dialogue option is being rejected by groups which claimed it would lead to setting bad precedence and may not even achieve peace.
Bowing to pressure, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) yesterday announced the immediate redeployment of members from Borno to other states in the country. The corps members had been rejecting their postings to the volatile Borno State.
Source:
THE SUN