Spokesman for Boko Haram feared killed - Newspapers

Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - The Spokesman for Nigeria's violent Islamic sect Boko Haram, Abu Qaga II, may have been killed this weekend following a growing rift within the sect, local newspapers reported Sunday, quoting security sources.

Abu Qaqa II, whose real name is Mohammed Anwal Kontangora, was said to have been killed on the instruction of sect leader Abu Shekau, for attempting to desert after he was put under intense security watch.

He took over from Abu Qaga I, who was captured by security agencies last January and has been in the custody of the State Security Service.

The report cannot be independently verified.

Since 2009, Boko Haram has unleashed a campaign of terror on the predominantly-Muslim northern Nigeria through gun and bomb attacks that have left over 1,200 people dead.

An attempt to broker peace between the sect and the federal government faltered recently when the mediators pulled out, citing government's insincerity.
-0- PANA SEG 15April2012