Leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau has cried out for protection against Nigerian troops in a new audio.
In a new audio, he is is no longer sounding pompous, but he is now crying like a baby.
He also seeks Allah’s protection for him and his rag-tag terror gang from the firepower of the Nigerian military.
In a 1:22 seconds audio published by DAILY NIGERIAN, the Boko Haram leader speaks in Kanuri and seeks protection of Allah against the “devilish act” of Nigerian military.
He also reveals that his group is facing difficulties in this Holy month of Ramadan.
“If it is the devilish act and wickedness [of the Nigerian military], may Allah protect us from their evil. Oh Allah, keep us firm on your religion. We are poor things who know nothing, oh our Lord, Allah.
“We deserted Izala people to practise Your true religion; we abandoned Tijjaniyya people to practise Your true religion; we deserted the Shiites to practise Your true religion; we forsook our parents, uncles and aunties to practise Your true religion.
“It is because of your religion that we placed knife on Your servants’ necks; but today, they are trying to change us from one thing to another. Oh Lord, have mercy upon under [the blessings] Ramadhan; Oh Lord, have mercy on under [the blessings] of Ramadhan (crying profusely).
Listen to the audio:
“Oh Allah give us victory over our enemies. Oh brothers, for Allah’s sake, obey Allah and help me with prayers. This does not mean I am angry.
“May Allah keep us firm on the Qur’an. Allah knows best. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet of Allah and all thanks be to Allah,” Mr Shekau sobbed.
In a reaction to the audio clip, Bulama Bukarti, a human rights lawyers and conflict analyst who has studied Boko Haram for over a decade, said “this is the first time we heard Shekau cry in this way.”
According to Mr Bulama, the audio suggests that something terrible is happening to the Shekau faction of Boko Haram.
“The army has been releasing news and photos of their successes and Boko Haram itself has lately been releasing eulogies to dead fighters. That is what made Shekau wail in this audio. He thinks it is hard to survive this one,” Mr Bulama said.
Presidential assistant, Bashir Ahmad was excited by the development.
He tweeted: “This(is) end of the road for Shekau, his heartless followers and his wicked supporters. The time has come, in sha Allah!”
