Female suicide bomber hits Nigeria president’s rally

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday escaped a suspected suicide bomb blast after he left a campaign rally in northeast Nigeria, as the country braced for fresh Boko Haram attacks before polling day. Rescue workers said the bodies of two women were brought to the Gombe State Specialist Hospital with 18 people who were injured. Security analysts believe the key city of Maiduguri will likely be hit again before polling day, given its symbolism for Boko Haram and because it would further undermine the February 14 vote.

Regional and international efforts must focus on protecting communities in northern Nigeria and across borders. More than a million internally displaced people and refugees must be able to return home.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Boko Haram is in control of most of Borno state and has effectively surrounded Maiduguri, which is seen as one of the few places left in the state where voting could feasibly still take place. The attacks come as the International Criminal Court prosecutor urged participants to refrain from violence before, during and after the vote. The election is expected to be the closest since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999, with the prospect of the Jonathan, and the PD, losing power for the first time in 16 years.

Africa Boko Haram