President Muhammadu Buhari has been approached by a faction, as it named itself, of the deadly Boko Haram sect, seeking peace negotiations with Nigeria’s government.
Garba Shehu, the presidential spokesman, made this known in a statement, saying that efforts were under way to “verify their claims” of having such power.
“A faction of the Boko Haram group came forward claiming to have the mandate to negotiate with the government,” he said.
Buhari’s government has recently said it was not opposed to negotiate with the sect, which has killed thousands and left around 1.5 million people evacuated during its insurgency.
Shehu added: “It is now left for them to show proof that they have the mandate, but they made it clear that they are representing a faction of Boko Haram that wants peace.”
It should be noted that despite his earlier stance during the electoral campaign President Buhari has recently said he is willing to hold talks with Boko Haram commanders for the rescue of more than 200 Chibok schoolgirls abducted last year.
The insurgents have killed more than 600 Nigerians in a spate of bombings and shootings since new president was sworn-in on May 29.
President Buhari will visit Cameroon on July 29-30 as part of efforts to cooperate with countries with which Nigeria shares borders.
It would be recalled that efforts to reach a peace agreement by the previous government of Goodluck Jonathan failed as Boko Haram said they didn’t hold any talks with government.
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