How Feasible is Boko Haram Truce in Nigeria?

The government and the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, are moving towards fresh peace talks despite on going violence, but will they walk the talk?

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Photo: Vanguard

Cartoon on terrorism in Nigeria

  • Nigeria:  Before We Accept Boko Haram's Offer

    Vanguard, 13 November 2012

    The ripple in the polity is heightening by the day as a result of the latest parley offer by the dreaded Boko Haram Islamic group. read more »

  • Nigeria:  Boko Haram - FG Consults Defence Experts

    This Day, 13 November 2012

    The Federal Government has widened its network against the fight against the menace of terrorism and terrorism elements by harnessing the expertise of the country's defence ... read more »

  • Nigeria:  Boko Haram - Aminu Hails Shettima

    This Day, 13 November 2012

    Former military administrator of Borno State, Col. Abdul-Mumuni Aminu (rtd.), has praised the effort of the state governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, in addressing the menace of the ... read more »

  • Nigeria:  FG/Boko Haram - A New Peace Deal? (analysis)

    This Day, 11 November 2012

    Perhaps, the closest the country has got to solving the Boko Haram insurgency is the ongoing peace deal between the group and the federal government. The leadership of Jama'atul ... read more »

  • Nigeria:  OPC Proposes Road Map for Boko Haram/FG Dialogue

    Vanguard, 10 November 2012

    The Oodua People's Congress (OPC) on Friday called for an immediate ceasefire as a prelude to any meaningful dialogue between the Federal Government and the Boko Haram sect. read more »

  • Nigeria:  Boko Haram a Creation of the Ruling PDP - CPC

    Vanguard, 10 November 2012

    Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka said Friday that trying to end a deadly insurgency by Islamist extremist group Boko Haram through dialogue would amount to "abysmal appeasement." read more »

  • Nigeria:  Security Agents Aiding Boko Haram - Oritsejafor (interview)

    Daily Trust, 10 November 2012

    Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor of the Word of Life Bible Church is noted for being outspoken on national issues. Oritsejafor, who is also the President of Christian Association of Nigeria ... read more »

  • Nigeria:  Kalu Offers to Dialogue With Boko Haram

    Leadership, 11 November 2012

    Almost a week after former head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari, declined a mediatory role to end the bloody offensive of the Islamic militant group, Boko Haram, former governor ... read more »

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  • Garden-City Boy
    Nov 11 2012, 11:41

    Negotiation with the islamic terrorists, Boko Haram, would be a disastrous error of judgment. This administration must distance itself from the terrorists' Trojan horse offer, and not allow itself to be bullied into getting soft with criminals. It is quite obvious that their sponsors are almost in the bag and the seek to get themselves a soft-landing with yet another half-hearted 'truce' proposal. We have seen this gimmick before, and the same pattern of tantrums that follow . The consequences of falling into this trap are dire. It enthrones the tyranny of impunity; zealots may form themselves into death squads, maim, vandalize, destroy and walk free with an amnesty and appeasement money. Tolerance for previous acts of impunity encouraged Boko Haram in the first place. Had the masterminds of 1966 Igbo pogrom been punished, Boko Haram people would have second thoughts befoer embarking on crime. More importantly, peace with murderers would amount to the betrayal of thousands of innocent, law-abiding citizens who fell victim to these islamists. Their deaths could have been avoided had government not turned its back on them, denying them the protection and security they deserve. These mullahs have killed scores of members of the security forces in the line of their patriotic duties; the made orphans and widows out of those they leave behind, destroyed and torched public and private property and Christian places of worship. Predictably,this government risks rebellion by the armed forces as well as civil disobedience if it hobnobs with terrorists, making their appeasement priority, Or by their antipathy with citizens, and survivors of ismlamic barbariem. This administration must not compromise its obligations to us citizens. The murderers and their sponsors must be unmasked and punished for murder. Negotiations send the wrong message to budding terrorists and trouble makers. There has to be respect for the rule of law. If it is a jungle they want, let them come clear with it; government should not hesitate to give it to them. Negotiations and amnesty? No way. Murderers must die.