The fighters loyal to the sect attacked three communities in the Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas of Plateau on Saturday and Sunday.
The sect “thanked God for the success of the attacks” and vowed that there was no going back on the jihad (Holy War) it had launched against Christians and the government. It also asked “Christians in Nigeria to accept Islam” as a condition for a ceasefire.
It described as a “new lie” claims by the new National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, that he has an access for a dialogue with its leaders.
Boko Haram Press Release By Spokesman Abu Qaqa.The Special Task Force, a military outfit in charge of security in the state, on Tuesday, however, put the number of dead victims of the weekend’s attacks at 86.
“The Jama’atu Ahlissunnah Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, is grateful to Almighty God and hereby makes it known to the world of our success and attack on Barkin Ladi and Riyom in Plateau State on Christians, security agencies and members of National Assembly.
“Like we said earlier, Christians in Nigeria should accept Islam, that is true religion, or they will never have peace. We do not regard them as trusted Christians as some illiterates are campaigning because it was Christians that first declared war on Muslims with the support of government.
“Like we said, we shall continue to look for government officials; they will not have the rest of mind. We will attack their homes and security agencies in the same way they are attacking us and destroying our houses that we have been renting. We will continue with what we did in Rijiyar Zaki in Kano State.
“To the general public, particularly those in Kano that are dragging their heads into this fight by supporting security agencies. Let them learn from what happened to people in Kurna quarters. From now on anyone found wanting should have himself to blame. We do not have any agenda than working to establish Islamic Kingdom like during the time of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) no matter what will happen to us.
“We heard the information going round that new National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, has gotten means of reaching us for a dialogue, that is a new lie.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Emmanuel Abuh, however said that the casualty figure had not been ascertained because of the resurgence of attacks on Sunday. He said that figures were still being compiled.
Spokesman for the STF, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, told our correspondent in Jos that the figure included 63 bodies counted in the nine villages attacked by gunmen and that of the 21 bodies of the attackers that met their deaths during the violence.
Two policemen, according to Mustapha, were also killed.
Fifty bodies were recovered from a church in Matse. The dead were villagers that ran to the church during Saturday’s attack on their community.
Among the victims of the killings were a Senator, Gyang Dantong; and a member of the state House of Assembly, Gyang Fulani, who met their deaths on Sunday when gunmen swooped on them while leading the procession for the mass burial of the 50 killed in the church.
A survivor of the attack on the legislators, Mr. Simon Mwadkon, said Dantong and Fulani died of exhaustion while running away from their attackers.
Mwadkon is a member of the House of Representatives.
-Punch
