The InfoStride Forum

NEWS and REPORTS => World News => Topic started by: BBC on Nov 18, 2014, 03:31 AM

Title: #News: Call to arms over Boko Haram attacks
Post by: BBC on Nov 18, 2014, 03:31 AM
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/75306000/jpg/_75306515_line976.jpg)  Analysis: Will Ross, BBC News, Lagos

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/79071000/jpg/_79071571_79071570.jpg)  Civilians have already played a key role in fighting the insurgency by forming local vigilante groups (known as civilian joint task forces) and this is now a wider call for everyone to stand up and be counted.  

The emir may not have mentioned the group known as Boko Haram by name but this was a strong condemnation of the insurgents. It is highly unusual for the emir of Kano to be so outspoken on this issue.  

Muhammad Sanusi was a persistent critic of the government when he was central bank governor and some of his detractors may criticise him for speaking out now but there is no denying that the situation in north-east Nigeria is deteriorating.

The emir's strong message contrasts sharply with the government, which has stayed almost silent on the conflict except for the oft-repeated promise that the insurgents will be defeated.  

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/75306000/jpg/_75306515_line976.jpg)  Over the weekend a local vigilante group helped the military recapture the town of Chibok which Boko Haram had seized 48 hours earlier.

Boko Haram fighters kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls from the town in April, sparking global outrage.

Schools reopening Boko Haram, which says it is fighting to create an Islamic state in Nigeria, has repeatedly targeted villages in Borno state in recent months.

There are reports of many Boko Haram members being killed in Sunday's raid.

Schools in Borno state were shut down eights months ago because of security concerns after attacks by the militant group.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/79071000/jpg/_79071575_79071574.jpg) Some secondary schools in Borno have become temporary refuges for those who have fled their homes  State officials said 450 primary schools were expected to reopen on Monday in a staged process intended to lead to the reopening of almost 1,400 schools in the state.

The BBC has confirmed that some primary schools in the state capital, Maiduguri, have already reopened.

The chairman of a state committee on education, Mohammed Dongel, said fencing had been erected around schools and security guards were ensuring "24-hour surveillance".

Secondary schools in Borno are due to remain closed until internally displaced people sheltering in them can be moved to alternative accommodation.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/75306000/jpg/_75306515_line976.jpg)  Who are Boko Haram?

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/78990000/jpg/_78990678_024662742.jpg) Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has declared a caliphate in areas he controls  Full profile (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13809501)

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/75306000/jpg/_75306515_line976.jpg)    
Source: BBC