Amid Boko Haram attacks, Nigeria vote ‘will not be postponed further’

Islamist Boko Haram insurgents from Nigeria bombed a Niger border town and carried out attacks in neighbouring Cameroon, kidnapping a bus full of passengers, military and local sources said on Monday. The jihadist sect has killed thousands of people and kidnapped hundreds in a bid to carve out an Islamic emirate in northeastern Nigeria. Boko Haram has stepped up cross-border incursions into Cameroon as it seeks to build its caliphate. With the Nigerian army struggling to contain the jihadist militants, bordering countries have launched a major regional offensive against them, spurring a series of revenge attacks inside Niger and Cameroon.

Some of us have a conscience.

Sambo Dasuki, Nigerian National Security Advisor

Nigeria’s general election will not be postponed past March 28, National Security Advisor Sambo Dasuki told AFP on Monday, after he successfully lobbied for a poll delay because of Boko Haram violence. The opposition and some observers said the poll was delayed to allow more time for President Goodluck Jonathan to revive his campaign, which was facing a tough challenge from ex-military ruler Muhammadu Buhari. But Dasuki insisted there was no political motive underlying his call for a delay.

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