The warning offered no specifics about the threat posed by the sect known as Boko Haram, only saying that the Nigerian government was aware and taking precautions to stop such an assault.
The U.S. issued a similar warning in November after Boko Haram launched an attack in the northeastern state of Yobe that killed more than 100 people. That warning specifically mentioned the capital’s Hilton, Nicon Luxury and Sheraton hotels. With popular restaurants and bars, the hotels draw diplomats, politicians and even reformed oil delta militants.
It wouldn’t be the first time Abuja saw itself targeted by Boko Haram, which has waged an increasingly bloody sectarian fight against Nigeria’s weak central government. A suicide bomber claimed by Boko Haram attacked the United Nations headquarters in Abuja in August, killing 25 people and wounding more than 100 others. Another Boko Haram bomber targeted the federal police headquarters in June.
Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is sacrilege” in the Hausa language of Nigeria’s north, has been blamed for killing more than 430 people this year alone in Nigeria. The sect has rejected efforts to begin indirect peace talks with Nigeria’s government. Its demands include the introduction of strict Shariah law across the country, even in Christian areas, and the release of all imprisoned followers.......culled from Nigerianewsdesk.
No comments:
Post a Comment