A Nigerian strongman would only compound the damage of the bombings

The Guardian ^

[AfricanChristian]

The radical Islamist group Boko Haram (meaning "western education is forbidden [under Islamic law]") has claimed responsibility for last Friday's bombing of the UN headquarters in the capital city, Abuja, which killed at least 21 people and injured many others. At the moment, the Nigerian government looks incapable of halting Boko Haram's campaign.

In June Boko Haram bombed the headquarters of the Nigerian police in Abuja (supposed to be the safest city in Nigeria), nearly killing the nation's police chief. Police stations have been regular targets, as the group considers Nigerian policemen enforcers of a corrupt and morally bankrupt establishment. This is a sentiment shared by many Nigerians, which has helped the group gain traction among some in the populace.

Still, recent activity marks a shift in Boko Haram's role and influence. No group has ever launched attacks on this scale against the Nigerian establishment. Even the infamous Niger delta militants have usually stuck to kidnapping foreigners for ransom money or sabotaging oil refineries via bomb attacks. While the delta groups "only" appeared willing to risk their lives for money, Boko Haram seems to act out of purely ideological motives.

The Nigerian government was able to silence most of the delta groups by buying off their leaders, granting them "amnesty". But Boko Haram is a much tougher nut to crack: so far it has rejected all overtures from the Nigerian establishment.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks AfricanChristian.

Boko Haram (meaning "western education is forbidden [under Islamic law]") has claimed responsibility