Nigerian militants challenge group responsible for bombings

Jul 19, 2011, 12:25 GMT

Abuja - Another group of militants from Nigeria's oil rich Niger Delta region on Tuesday threatened to confront members of Boko Haram, an Islamist sect responsible for the recent spate of bombings across the north-east of the country.

The group, calling itself the Niger Delta Indigenous Movement, has warned against further attacks by the sect, saying it was prepared to take the current 'terrorist battle' to their door step - a move observers fear may spark civil strife in Africa's most populous nation.

The group called on northern political and religious leaders to choose between the continued existence of Nigeria as one country or opt for the 'extremist Islamic militant group' Boko Haram.

'We have been watching with total dismay the activities of Boko Haram in some parts of the country and we hereby warn that enough is enough,' Nelly Emma, Secretary General of the group said.

'Boko Haram must give peace a chance, stop disturbing one of our own, President Jonathan, as we are not going to take it easy with anybody or group of persons trying to make the country ungovernable for the president,' she continued.

Jonathan, a native of the Niger Delta region, has vowed to tackle insecurity in the country while emphasizing dialogue as a means of dealing with Boko Haram.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the sect, Ali Teshako, said they were prepared for the militants and accused them of being sponsored by the government.

Ali, whose parents are Christians, said Boko Haram's grievances against the government were just, adding that no particular religion was being targeted.

Boko Haram, which first gained notoriety in 2008, is protesting against what it says is the Westernization of northern Nigeria, where the country's Muslim population is concentrated.

The introduction of sharia law in the 19 northern states is among the conditions it has named for a peace deal.

A similar peace deal extended to militants in the Niger Delta region in 2009 brought an initial end to many years of conflict over non-development of the area by oil companies.