14 Facts about Boko Haram

Posted by Felix Okoli on Thursday June 5, 2014 at 15:47:19:

Since Boko haram came into existence in Nigeria, thousands of people have lost their lives while properties worth over billions of Naira have been lost to this sect.

1. The Nigerian public and the media gave then the name Boko Haram even though they've always regarded themselves as Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad, an Arabic name which translates to Congregation of the People of Tradition for Proselytism and Jihad.

2. They became violently active as from 2011 with a series of bombings and mass killings. They became more active during the tenure of President Jonathan Goodluck, a southerner.

3. They have carried most of their attacks in Northern regions of Nigeria particularly in Borno state where they were based closed to the border

4. They claim to be fighting a Jihad on behalf of Islam

5. They normally release videos and enjoy being in the media

6. Some politicians believe that they are supported by opposition politicians who are bent on making the administration of Jonathan Goodluck ungovernable.

7. The sect's leader, Mohammed Yusuf was reported to have been killed after being arrested by the Nigerian military

8. A bounty of $7 million has been placed on the the leader's head by the USA. There is a reward of 7 million dollars for any one who could give a reasonable information that will lead to the arrest or killing of the sect's leader Abubakar Shekau.

9. The sect has claimed responsibility for most of the tragic bomb blasts and killings happening in the country since 2011.

10. They have attacked Nigeria's capital cities several times mostly with bomb blasts and these included bus parks, public places and the UN building.

11. Their targets are mostly Christians, public markets, bus parks, police stations and remote poor villages.

12. The Federal government initially offered amnesty to the group but it seems not to be on the table anymore.

13. Over 200 school children, mostly female Christians had been kidnapped at their boarding school by Boko haram as at April 2014 and the Nigerian govt has not yet secured their release.

14. Foreign countries like France, China and the United States have offered support to Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram and the rescue of the girls.