Falmata Abubakar, the mother of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, has said that the last time she saw her son was 15 years ago.
“I can’t say whether he is dead or alive. Only God knows. The last time I set eyes on him was 15 years ago.”
Falmata, who spoke to Voice Of America (VOA) Hausa service from her home in the remote village of Shekau in Yobe State, said that Shekau left the village for Maiduguri in search of Islamic knowledge.
She said that it was in the course of pursuit of Islamic education that he met late Boko Haram leader, Mohammed Yusuf.
“I have not seen him since he met Mohammed Yusuf. He is my son. And despite that filial bond existing between mother and son, I am not in support of his cause. He terrorised a lot of people. I wish I can see him to reprimand him. I pray to Allah to change him into the righteous path. I have not inculcated in him such behaviour. Only God knows where he acquires such habit.”
The Boko Haram leader’s late father was a local Imam.
