Boko Haram murders continue, John Kerry arrives to call for peace
Boko Haram terrorists attacked more Nigerian cities this weekend, murdering at least 200 people in the city of Maiduguri. The Islamic Muslimcs invaded the city of Monguno earlier in the day.
The militants targeted the barracks in Maiduguri, as Nigerian troops were able to slow the Boko Haram’s progress, but not stop the group entirely.
Boko Haram continues their violent attacks across Nigeria and may be linked to the murders in Cameroon
Boko Haram leader video screenshot
One Nigerian soldier reportedly said, “Our soldiers initially repelled the terrorists but they mobilized more fighters and came back in full force. They overwhelmed our troops and forced them to retreat.”
Secretary of State John Kerry was in the region for a meeting with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonatha, promising that the US was willing to help Nigeria.
Kerry focused on the upcoming elections, calling for peace.
“We are prepared to do more [to counter the Boko Haram threat] but our ability to do more will depend to some degree on the full measure of credibility, accountability, transparency and peacefulness of this election,” Kerry said.
Boko Haram has ravaged the country for years, murdering thousands and the BBC notes that “With the insurgents gaining more and more territory Maiduguri is increasingly vulnerable. It is home to tens of thousands of people who have fled their homes because of the conflict.”
Boko Haram, which means “Western education is forbidden” (or Western education is a sin”) in the Hausa language, launched terrorist operations in 2009 to create an Islamic state.
Islamists Boko Haram used young girls as suicide bombers in this weekend’s massacre
Boko Haram logo photo/Arnold Platon via wikimedia commons
