LAGOS: A Nigerian spokesman for the Islamist militant group Boko Haram has told Bikyamasr.com that the group was “not involved” in the kidnapping of two foreign citizens in the country, but added that they “believe foreigners have no place in Nigeria.” The spokesman said that “we as an organization did not become involved in the kidnappings, but we praise the effort to show the world that Nigeria is not a place to meddle in our local affairs.” A pair of hostages – one British, one Italian – were killed on Thursday during a failed British rescue attempt in the sleepy town of Sokoto, in northwestern Nigeria. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan said that Boko Haram militants were behind the kidnapping and killing of the two men. But Boko Haram was adamant that they were not part of the kidnapping. “We have not gone into the kidnapping business yet, but we hope to in the very near future,” said the spokesman, adding that “this will help show people we are serious about wanting an Islamic state. There is no place for Christians.” On Tuesday, the spokesman said that the group has plans to begin kidnapping Christian women in a push to “liquidate” the religious group from the country. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the spokesman said that “we are going to put into action new efforts to strike fear into the Christians of the power of Islam by kidnapping their women.” He added that they would not sexually assault or harm the women, “but we will demand as ransom that the families leave our Islamic areas.” Violence blamed on the militant group, who has called for an Islamic state in Nigeria, has since mid-2009 claimed more than 1,000 lives, including more than 300 this year alone, according to rights groups. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/4INJp Tags: Boko Haram, Christians, featured, Kidnapping, Nigeria Section: Latest News, Religion
