ABUJA, (Reuters) – Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in three northeastern states yesterday, ordering in more troops to try to stem an increasingly violent Islamist insurgency.’
Islamist sect Boko Haram has intensified its attacks on security forces and government targets in its northeast stronghold this month, prompting Jonathan to declare an emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
“We are facing … a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to our national unity,” Jonathan said in a televised address.
“They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war.”
