From Abuja, CEOAFRICA gathered that the United States Government have started investigating the authenticity of the news released by the Joint Task Force, which announced on Monday that the leader of the Boko Haram terrorist sect, Shekau, may have died following gunshot injuries he sustained in a clash with Nigerian troops.

The announcement which was greeted with disbelief since the force could not provide any proof to back up its claim, made the federal government to plead with Nigerians to resolve their doubts about the demise of the leader of the terrorist in favour of the military.

Reacting to the news about Shekau’s death, US State Department Deputy spokesperson, Ms Marie Harf explained that efforts are underway to ascertain the validity of the report.

“We have seen these reports and we are working to ascertain the facts. If his death-it turns out to be true, the loss of such a central and well known figure would set back Boko Haram’s operations and remove a key voice from its efforts to mobilise violent extremists in Nigeria and around the world.”

She then declared continuous support from US to Nigeria in its quest to end terrorism in the country.

At the close of the weekly Federal Executive Council Meeting, the Nigerian Minister of Information Labaran Maku pleaded with Nigerians to give the military benefit of the doubt, rather than raising unnecessary controversy over the authenticity of Shekau’s death.

The supposed killing of Shekau, according to Maku, is a logical progression of events since the onslaught against the insurgents started with the proclamation of emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States three months ago.

It would be recalled that US last year declared Shekau and two other prominent members of the sect wanted, with a total reward of $23 million announced for anyone who could help track down five leaders of deadly militant groups spreading terror in West Africa with the highest sum of $7 million placed on Shekau’s head.