It was a “successful” weekend for the radical Islamist Boko Haram sect who have claimed responsibility for the bloody raids and attacks in Plateau state that claimed at least 80 lives, including two prominent politicians in the restive state.

In an official statement, the sect’s spokesman said it carried out the attacks, which officials had believed to be the handiwork of nomadic Fulani herdsmen.

Purported spokesman, Abul Qaqa said the Boko Haram “wants to inform the world of its delight over the success of the attacks we launched… in Plateau state on Christians and security operatives, including members of the National Assembly.”

The sect said the two high-profile victims from the weekend attacks, Senator Gyang Dantong and state lawmaker, Gyang Fulani, will not be the only government officials it takes out.

“We will continue to hunt for government officials wherever they are; they will have no peace again,” said the statement from Boko Haram.

The sect has waged an increasingly violent insurgency against the government, killing over 1,500 people since 2009.

Boko Haram, known to target security officials and Christian places of worship, often limits its activities in Plateau state to the confines of the capital city of Jos.

Officials had thought the attacks on Riyom and Barkin Ladi to be the work of Fulani herdsmen who have long contested land rights with members of the largely Christian communities.