In new video, Shekau denies being injured, vows to start fresh killings

Abubakar Shekau, leader of the Boko Haram sect, has released a new video, denying the reports that he was injured in a military raid.

There were reports that Shekau sustained injuries, while some of his men died when air force fighter jets targeted a location in Borno where members of the sect gathered.

But in a 14-minute video, Shekau accused the military of spreading falsehood.

He boasted that it was not yet time for him to die, and that he would carry out more killings in the future.

“You claimed your jets struck at our gathering while we were praying, killed some of us and injured me near Damboa. I don’t even know the town you mentioned,” he said.

“Earlier you claimed I was in Sambisa, now you said I was near Damboa road. You will never know my location. Allah kept out of sight because I believe in him and doing his biddings. Be patient, once my time on earth ends, I will die. Nothing will happen to me.

“We are not worried. We are making this video to dispel your propaganda. Deceitful people end in shame. Shekau is alive… I have not started killing in the name of religion yet. I will start in future.”

Shekau also attacked President Muhammadu Buhari and Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff.

He said both men were shouldering a burden beyond their capacities.

“To Buhari, Buratai and lawmakers you are shouldering a burden beyond your capacity. Your imagination is more incredible than the tale of a hawk that lifts an elephant,” he said.

“So I’m alive. But if God wills that you will kill me, it is not surprising because many prophets of Allah were killed by infidels. I will be happy to die in the cause of Allah.”