NIGERIA: Sokoto, Zaria attacks: Boko Haram claims responsibility

The Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lidda’awati Wal Jihad, also known as Boko Haram, yesterday claimed responsibility for the various attacks launched in Sokoto, Zaria, Bauchi, Damaturu and Maiduguri, saying its fighters would soon start killing women who have been spying on them.

A statement in Maiduguri yesterday by Abul Qaqa, spokesman of the group, said the attacks in some Nigerian cities were meant to avenge the incarceration of members of the group and to also liberate the Nigerian Muslims.

The statement, which was written in Hausa, reads: “All praises go to Almighty Allah. This is a very important message from the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lidda’awati Wal Jihad.

“We wish to extend our profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for giving us the opportunity to fulfill the promise we made on launching spontaneous attacks in Sokoto.

“We are responsible for the attacks in Bauchi and at the residence of Namadi Sambo; the one in Zaria as well as the one in Damaturu where we bombed a patrol vehicle.

“We equally dealt a big blow on JTF operatives in Maiduguri, who out of frustration, went back and killed innocent and defenseless citizens.

“We are also aware of the activities of some women who have been recruited to spy on us. This is a final warning to all of them. By God, whenever we catch any woman spying on us, we would slaughter her like ram.