There is confusion over the fate of Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Jamaatu Ahlus Sunnah Lid Da’wati Wal Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram, after unconfirmed reports said he had been killed by fighters of the rival ISWAP group in Borno.
There were reports recently suggesting that ISWAP fighters, hitherto operating in the Lake Chad area of the North East, were making incursions into Sambisa Forest, where Shekau and his fighters are staying, to find safe have.
Read Also: Shekau ‘badly wounded, taken to unknown destination’
A former Director of Army Public Relations, retired Brig Gen Sani Kukasheka Usman, posted on Wednesday night that “Unconfirmed reports says that the Boko Haram terrorists group leader, ABUBAKAR SHEKAU, has been killed by ISWAP fighters today afternoon in Sambisa forest.”
Dateline Nigeria reports that ISWAP has yet to respond to the rumours, even as Nigerians continue to air their views on social media.
Aminu Baba-Ahmed asks “He was killed technically, clinically or brutally?”
Muhammad Alkali Abbo said “How I wish it’s true and how I he was captured alive and executed by the gallant Nigerian army.”
Adegbe Akagwu said “May this mark the end of Shekau forever and may afflictions not rise a second time through ISWAP fighters.”
Chimezie Nwachukwu said “How many times have they killed him? I am sure we will soon see his broadcast, that’s what this kind of news usually mean.”
Oregbemi John Afolabi said “In my own opinion, I would have love to hear only confirmed report from you. Let is leave the unconfirmed own for the bloggers”
Foe Malam Baffa, “While we can celebrate the possible killing of Shekau today, we should know that ISWAP had been the real enemy bringing it to our soldiers. They are better trained and much more professional than BH.
But they are not as terrible towards civilians as BH have been.”
- This is a developing story
