Boko Haram: Shekau, Al-Barnawi Factions In Bloody Clashes

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Factional leader of Boko Haram

By Sadiq Umar – There are strong indications that the bickering between the two factional leaders of the Boko Haram terrorist have degenerated into bloody clashes with the factions now killing themselves.

Factional leader of Boko Haram
Factional leader of Boko Haram

Unconfirmed reports say fighting broke out between the Boko Haram factions, one led by Abubakar Shekau and other, Abu Musab al-Barnawi during the week leading to gun battles in villages near Lake Chad: Yewle, Arafa, and Zuwa.

Although, casualty figure in the clashes is could not be ascertained, Agency report said “several” insurgents were killed.

According to AFP, the number killed appears to have ranged from three to “several” to “unspecified.”

“Nevertheless, the report has an unusual degree of specificity that lends it credibility, though the Nigerian military declined to comment when contacted by AFP. Based on eye-witness reports, the al-Barnawi faction seems to have been the aggressor,” American diplomat, John Campbell said in a post.

There has long been evidence of violence within Boko Haram, though with few details. Over the years, there have been repeated reports that Shekau has killed rivals and dissidents.

Ansaru, a previous splinter group, has gradually been killed off and disappeared. There has been speculation that Shekau murdered its leadership.

“It is also unclear whether the al-Barnawi faction, now anointed by the self-proclaimed Islamic State, is new, or whether it is a resurrected Ansaru.

“It is also unclear what Shekau’s relationship is with the Islamic State, though he apparently has not revoked his March 2015 oath of allegiance to it.

“The issue between the two factions appears to be much the same as it was when Ansaru was active: for the al-Barnawi faction, Shekau is killing too many Muslims for superficial reasons.

AFP reports that villagers where the conflict took place have fled, presumably adding to Nigeria’s population of internally displaced.

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