#News: Nigeria market explosion kills 16

[BBC]

 Boko Haram at a glance

 

• Founded in 2002
• Initially focused on opposing Western education - Boko Haram means "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language
• Launched military operations in 2009 to create Islamic state
• Thousands killed, mostly in north-eastern Nigeria - also attacked police and UN headquarters in capital, Abuja
• Some three million people affected
• Declared terrorist group by US in 2013

Who are Boko Haram?

Profile: Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau

Why Nigeria has not defeated Boko Haram

 Some 10,0000 people have fled to Chad over the last week to escape the violence, raising fears of a humanitarian crisis, officials say.

Others are fleeing to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, in buses provided by the government.

Mr Jonathan is under pressure over the insurgency   President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno and two neighbouring states in 2013, vowing to defeat the militants.

However, Boko Haram has stepped up attacks since then and there are fears that many people in the north-east will not be able to vote in the forthcoming general election because of the conflict.

 


Source: BBC