The Federal Government, on Saturday, reiterated its willingness to listen to the grievances of Ahlul Sunna Lil Daawa Wal Jihad sect, also known as Boko Haram.

In making the re-affirmation, the government said it hoped that the process would lead to restoration of peace, security and tranquility in the northern part of the country.

Before now, the group had ruled out possibility of engaging in further negotiation with government and had stuck to its demands.

It had also accused some persons and groups of defrauding the government on the pretence of engaging in negotiations on its behalf.

Perhaps as a proof that it did not want negotiations with government, bomb and gun attacks have continued, with security agencies, government officials and structures remaining major targets.

But the government said it welcomed any initiative that would usher in peace, security and tranquillity in the country, considering the security challenges that the nation had faced in the last two years.

It said its attention had been drawn to the statement issued on the Voice of America (VOA), Hausa Service, on Tuesday, 14th August, 2012, by the sect.

The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, in an official statement, said government had also taken special notice of the disclosure that there were individuals and groups in the society who had been using the name of the sect to attack and kill innocent citizens for their own selfish ends.

The statement reads in full: "The attention of the Federal Government has been drawn to the statement issued through VOA, Hausa Service, on Tuesday, 14th August, 2012, by Ahlul Sunna Lil Daawa Wal Jihad sect.

"The Federal Government welcomes any initiative that will usher in peace, security and tranquillity in the country, especially in the light of the security challenges that we have faced in the last two years.

“In this context, we welcome the statement by the Ahlul Sunna Lil Daawa Wal Jihad acknowledging that they have been in contact with the Federal Government through its representatives and have started negotiations with the objective of reaching a final solution to this crisis.”