On Tuesday, the unending discussion on whether the members of Nigeria’s militant group, Boko Haram, are Muslims or Christians heightened on X, a micro-blogging platform, as many Nigerians aired their opinions.
Worth mentioning, Boko Haram, which has caused havoc in Africa’s most populous country through a wave of bombings, assassinations and abductions is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state.
However, because they base and attack civilians in the northern part of the country where Islam is predominant, some Nigerians believe the terrorists aren’t Muslims.
A socio-political commentator, Rebecca Duke asked: “If boko haram are muslims, then why are they located in the north terrorizing their muslim people?”
The question remains, if they aren’t Muslims, is it safe to say they are Christians?
Meanwhile, myriad of publications have revealed that Boko Haram terrorists are Muslims. According to the BBC, Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam which makes it “haram”, or forbidden, for Muslims to take part in any political or social activity associated with Western society.
This includes voting in elections, wearing shirts and trousers or receiving a secular education.
Boko Haram regards the Nigerian state as being run by non-believers, regardless of whether the president is Muslim or not – and it has extended its military campaign by targeting neighbouring states.
The group’s official name is Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, which in Arabic means “People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad”.
Mohammed Yusuf founded the sect, a non violent movement that became known as Boko Haram in 2002 in Maiduguri, the capital of the north-eastern state of Borno Nigeria.
Last year November, at least 40 people were killed in Yobe state. Reports said the militants shot at villagers and set off a land mine, in the first major attack on the northern eastern state in 18 months.
The attack happened at about 8:30 p.m. (1930 GMT), at Gurokayeya village, Gaidam local government in Yobe State. Just last week, dozens of displaced people, mainly women and girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.
