Nigerian government ready to have dialogue with militant group:Minister

 Boko Haram fighters

ABUJA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government announced Saturday that it is ready to hold peace talks with the Boko Haram sect in a bid to stop violence in the west African country.
   Minister of Information Labaran Maku disclosed this in a statement made available to Xinhua, saying the olive branch extended to the militant group by the government followed recent comments credited to Boko Haram members in the media, in which they signaled readiness to hold dialogue with government representatives.
   "The government welcomes any initiative that will usher in peace, security and tranquility, in the light of security challenges we have faced in the last two years," said the minister, adding that the government wishes to reiterate its willingness to listen to the grievances of the sect.
   Although President Goodluck Jonathan has openly expressed worry over the activities of Boko Haram and has devised several schemes to tackle the menace, critics blame him for the inability of his government to stop the violence. (Xinhua)