The New Times (Kigali)

Nigeria Ready to Have Dialogue With Militants

Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan
Bomb Blast: The aftermath of the bomb explosion at the Nigerian Police Headquarters in Abuja on June 16, 2011.

The Nigerian government announced Saturday that it is ready to hold peace talks with the Boko Haram sect in a bid to stop violence in the west African country.

Minister of Information Labaran Maku disclosed this in a statement

made available to Xinhua, saying the olive branch extended to the militant group by the government followed recent comments credited to Boko Haram members in the media, in which they signaled readiness to hold dialogue with government representatives.

"The government welcomes any initiative that will usher in peace,

security and tranquility, in the light of security challenges we have faced in the last two years," said the minister, adding that the

government wishes to reiterate its willingness to listen to the grievances of the sect.

Although President Goodluck Jonathan has openly expressed worry over the activities of Boko Haram and has devised several schemes to tackle the menace, critics blame him for the inability of his government to stop the violence.

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Nigerian Government Ready for Boko Haram Talks

The government has reiterated its willingness to hold talks with the Boko Haram in a bid to curb the violence unleashed by the group in the north. Read more »