US expresses concern over renewed fighting after emergency rule

The United States has expressed concern about renewed fighting sequel to the declaration of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states on Tuesday by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Also, the US is deeply concerned about what it described as “credible” allegations of gross human rights violations being levelled against the country’s security forces.
A statement by the Secretary of State, John Kerry, therefore, enjoined the security forces to be disciplined and enforce fundamental human rights while carrying out peacekeeping operations.
The statement issued on Friday reads: “The State United States is deeply concerned about the fighting in northeastern Nigeria following President Jonathan’s declaration of a state of emergency in the Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
“We are also deeply concerned by credible allegations that Nigerian security forces are committing gross human rights violations, which, in turn, only escalate the violence and fuel extremism.
“The United States condemns Boko Haram’s campaign of terror in the strongest terms. We urge Nigeria’s security forces to apply disciplined use of force in all operations, protect civilians in any security response, and respect human rights and the rule of law.”