http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/07/islamist_violence_gr.php
“Islamist violence grips northern Nigeria”
By GEORGE GORMANJuly 28, 2009 11:08 AM
SNIPPET: “A Fundamentalist Doctrine
Boko Haram, which translates to “education is prohibited,” is also known by its Arabic name, Al Sunna Wal Jamma, or the “Followers of Mohammad’s Teachings.” The group was founded in 2004 in Kanamma village in northern Yobe State, which borders Niger. Many members of Boko Haram are disgruntled youth, many whom are former university student dropouts and disillusioned graduates.
The group conducted similar, but less bloody, assaults on police stations during New Year’s Day 2003. The group’s silence has helped keep them out of the sights of local authorities for the last few years, allowing them to expand as poverty and lack of economic development has frustrated the youth in northern Nigeria.
Even though sharia law has been enforced more strictly in the 12 predominantly Muslim states of northern Nigeria since 2000, Boko Haram demands a “full Sharia” adoption of Islamic Law in the 12 states of northern Nigeria. The group seeks a ban throughout Nigeria on Western education, culture, and science that the group deems sinful; and, contrary to its name, the group aims to provide Islamic schooling as the only form of education to the public.
Abdullah, a member of Boko Haram, told Reuters that the group intends to “clean the (Nigerian) system which is polluted by western education and uphold the Sharia all over the country.””
Note: Photos and video included.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090730/ap_on_re_af/af_nigeria_violence
“Nigerian troops attack Islamist mosque, kill 100”
By NJADVARA MUSA, Associated Press Writer – 5 mins ago
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria