The Boko Haram Islamic group has confirmed the death of Abubakar Shekau, it’s erstwhile leader and the emergence of a new one in a short video recently released to the media.
In the video, its presumed new Commander, Bakura Modu aka Sahaba enjoined members of the outlawed group to remain firm and not be discouraged by recent events.
Abubakar was reportedly killed during infighting with the rival Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) last month.
The ISWAP commander, Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, claimed Shekau killed himself while on the run from the group fighters.
Newsmen report that in the video released in Arabic, the new Boko Haram commander urged his faction’s commanders to remain loyal despite the loss of Shekau, who was regarded as an iconic figure in the terrorists’ ranks.
In the video, Bakura was flanked by scores of armed fighters as he addressed the camera.
He said: “Commanders of Jama’atu Ahlu Sunna Lidda’awati Wal Jihad. Be steadfast and draw your swords, spreading your jihad, decapitating the enemy.
“Don’t allow what befalls you these days to weaken your resolve on the jihad you are waging. This is because Allah has not forsaken your efforts.”
He also encouraged Boko Haram commanders to reject Barnawi.
Bakura’s faction is one of the Boko Haram elements operating in the Lake Chad area where they have access to porous borders with Chad and Niger.
However, ISWAP fighters have taken over Shekau’s stronghold in the Sambisa forest in their bid for consolidation.
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