A UK official has denied allegations that Britain invited
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and members of militant groups to London
for secret talks on how to halt renewed violence in the oil-rich
Niger Delta
region. Press and public affairs officer at the British High Commission in
Abuja, Joe Abuku, said these claims were incorrect as Buhari was in London for
a medical treatment.
"We are aware that President Buhari is currently in
London seeking medical attention. We are not aware of any meetings on the Niger
Delta while he is there," Abuku told the Vanguard newspaper.
Earlier in June, rumours spread that Buhari was spending 10
days in London to hold "secret talks" with militants and not to rest
and treat an ear infection, as previously claimed. A source close to IBTimes UK
confirmed the rumour and alleged former members of the Movement for the
Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) were travelling to London to attend
secret talks.
The source also added talks could result in the release of
pro-Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu – who is standing trial in Nigeria on six counts
of treasonable felony charges – in exchange for a ceasefire. IBTimes UK could
not independently verify the claims.
Cc IBTimes UK
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