Falmata Abubakar, the mother of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, has opened up on her son for the first time since the beginning of insurgency.
Mrs Abubakar, who spoke to VOA Hausa service from her home in the remote village of Shekau in Yobe State.
The Boko Haram leader’s late father was a local Imam.
Mrs Abubakar she does know the whereabouts of her son nor set eyes on him in the last 15 years.
“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,” she said.
According to her, Mr Shekau left village to Maiduguri in search for Islamic education.
She said it was in the course of pursuit for Islamic education that he met late Boko Haram leader, Mohammed Yusuf.
“I have not seen him since he met Mohammed Yusuf,” she said.
“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 inculcate in him such behaviour. Only God knows where he acquires such habit.”
