Nigeria: Split emerges in Boko Haram - world's deadliest Islamist group

Kidnapped Nigerian school girls shown in video released by Boko Haram

A split has reportedly emerged among one of the most deadly Islamist groups in the world.

Boko Haram has been responsible for numerous atrocities in several African countries - including the mass kidnap of Nigerian schoolgirls.

Reports suggest that ISIS wanted Boko Haram to replace its leader, Abubakar Shekau, but after he refused to step down, two factions have emerged.

His rival, Abu Musab al-Barnawi has been declared the leader via publications linked to ISIS.

Boko Haram has fought a long war with the Nigerian army and is thought to have killed up to 17,000 people, many of them Christians.

AP reports that al-Barnawi has claimed Boko Haram will continue to bomb churches and kill Christians.

Boko Haram pledged allegiance to ISIS in March 2015. It was reported last year that Boko Haram's attacks have actually been more deadly than ISIS'. As well as the Nigerian Army, which has fought Boko Haram since 2009, the US has placed a bounty on the heads of Boko Haram leaders.

The BBC reports that, "Abubakar Shekau's outburst clearly shows that there are deep disagreements, which could translate into clashes between the foot soldiers loyal to the two leaders... But some security analysts caution that the internal wrangling could make it more deadly and unpredictable."

related articles
Nigerian Christian who sought refuge in Italy from Boko Haram is murdered
Nigerian Christian who sought refuge in Italy from Boko Haram is murdered

Nigerian Christian who sought refuge in Italy from Boko Haram is murdered

Nigeria: 200 Muslims storm and destroy Catholic church
Nigeria: 200 Muslims storm and destroy Catholic church

Nigeria: 200 Muslims storm and destroy Catholic church

Nigeria: Quarter of a million children starving in Boko Haram's Borno state

Nigeria: Quarter of a million children starving in Boko Haram's Borno state

Murder and ethnic cleansing in Nigeria as Muslim Fulani herdsmen go after Christian farmers
Murder and ethnic cleansing in Nigeria as Muslim Fulani herdsmen go after Christian farmers

Murder and ethnic cleansing in Nigeria as Muslim Fulani herdsmen go after Christian farmers

Many thousands of displaced children in Nigeria on brink of starvation
Many thousands of displaced children in Nigeria on brink of starvation

Many thousands of displaced children in Nigeria on brink of starvation

Calls for an end to \'continuous massacre of Christians\' in Nigeria
Calls for an end to 'continuous massacre of Christians' in Nigeria

Calls for an end to 'continuous massacre of Christians' in Nigeria

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.