Date Published: 09/18/11

Late Boko Haram leader's in-law murdered

Obasanjo

Babakura  Fugu, a brother-in-law of the slain Boko Haram leader, Mohammed Yusuf ,has been murdered by a yet to be identified gun man.

He was killed in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, early today, barely 72 hours after meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Fugu’s death occured amid indications that the Yusuf’s family is split over the late Fugu’s meeting with Obasanjo. It was also learnt that a division might have erupted over monetary gift allegedly given to the family by Obasanjo

Fugu’s killing has forced the government to strengthen security in Maiduguri with the Joint Task Force placed on red alert.

The Commissioner of Police in Borno State, Mr. Simeon Midenda, confirmed the death of Fugu. He said: "The gunman pulled a Kalashnikov rifle from inside the folds of his traditional robes and shot Fugu to death. No one else was wounded in the attack and the gunman apparently walked away."

A top security source, who spoke in confidence, said: "The spokesman of Fugu family, Babakura Fugu, who, on Thursday, received ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on Boko Haram mediation talks has been killed. The attackers were said to have been led by one of the deceased’s younger brothers.

"It is evident that other members of the sect felt Babakura Fugu should not have been the person to talk on their behalf. There is evidence of envy. Again, the money Obasanjo allegedly gave the Fugu family could be another cause of the killing.

"Normally, any money they (the Boko Haram) get either through gifts or other means is shared into five places for widows of Boko Haram leaders; Zakat for the less privileged members; Sukrah-the highest ruling organ of Boko Haram; and other members. This time around, it could be Babakura Fugu defied the formula."

Another source added: "Some Boko Haram members were not happy that Babakura Fugu opened discussion with Obasanjo, who is a Christian. They have assumed that talking to a Christian is like breaking a fundamental principle of the sect, which is seeking to impose Sharia on all the 19 Northern states.

"Some Boko Haram members were also unhappy with the over one-hour audience Babakura Fugu had with Obasanjo. They felt he must have let out some secrets about their operation to a military man, who fought a civil war and rose to the rank of a General in the Nigerian Army.

"I think some aggrieved Boko Haram members felt Obasanjo came on a spy mission instead of peace talks. Certainly, this killing pointed to a split within the Boko Haram leader’s family. Some wanted peace talks, but those in the extreme opposed it."

A military source, who spoke in confidence, said: "This development has confirmed the fears of the Federal Government that Boko Haram has expanded beyond what its slain leader, Mohammed Yusuf had envisaged."

The source added, "We have a fresh challenge on hand because everybody was looking forward to the peace initiative of Obasanjo.

Security has been beefed up in Borno, Bauchi, and other Northern states. It is apparent that the sect might not embrace peace."

Prior to the killing, there were indications yesterday that the Federal Government may ask other former Heads of State to team up with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo to negotiate with Boko Haram to stem the tide of bomb explosions in the North.

Also, key Northern leaders may be prevailed upon to assist in the peace process being brokered by the former President.

But a prominent Northern leader, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai has urged all Nigerians, including Northern leaders, to rally round Obasanjo in his latest peace mission to Boko Haram leaders.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the presidency is happy that Obasanjo had frank talks with the family of the slain Boko Haram leader, Mohammed Yusuf on Thursday in Maiduguri.

A top source said: "Everyone had a psychological relief with ex-President Obasanjo’s initiative because the session in Maiduguri was far-reaching. Already, we know the mindset of members of the Boko Haram sect. We are pleased that they are not opposed to peace and negotiation with the government.

"After preliminary talks with Boko Haram leaders by Obasanjo, the government had contemplated plans to raise a compact team of past Heads of State to team up with Obasanjo to have a comprehensive negotiation with the sect.

"We want former Heads of State like Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Alhaji Shehu Shagari; Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; ex-President Ibrahim Babangida; Chief Ernest Shonekan; Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Northern leaders to be part of a sustainable peace process in the North.

"President Goodluck Jonathan wants to use the peace talks to prove his commitment to the unity and oneness of Nigeria. He is ready to bring key members of the Council of State on board.

"Jonathan’s mindset is open on dialogue with Boko Haram leaders; he wants Nigeria to say bye to violence or any act of terrorism. If the late President Umaru Yar’Adua can do it in the Niger Delta, the President also is ready to make a statement that the violence in the North can be arrested."

The source could, however, not give further clarifications on the government’s plans with the killing of Babakura Fugu.

He merely said: "This is certainly a setback; I will get back to you."

On his part, a former Special Assistant to the President (National Assembly Liaison), Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, said: "Every Nigerian should support the initiative of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo to bring peace to this country. Yar’Adua started it by making peace with the militants in the Niger Delta. Obasanjo’s initiative to meet with Boko Haram leaders is a good idea. This is the kind of work that our elder statesmen should be doing now for this country. And this is why they are members of the Council of State.

"My only quarrel with Obasanjo is that he is still playing partisan politics. It is high time he disengages from partisan politics. He will be more effective in playing this kind of role if he stays away from politics."

Notwithstanding the killing of Babakura Fugu, a group, Community Defence Law Foundation has thrown its support behind the Presidency’s dialogue with Boko Haram.

The group made its position known in a statement by its Programme Manager, Uzodinma Nwaogbe in Abuja.

The statement said: "The recent visit of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the family of murdered Boko Haram’s leader, Mohammed Yusuf in Maiduguri, Borno State is a welcome development.

"The visit, whether it is private or on behalf of the Federal Government, is commendable and would be described as one of the smartest moves by the government at ensuring a lasting peace in Nigeria in recent times."