Top of the Morning: State of Emergency Declared in Nigeria

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State of Emergency Declared in Nigeria

President Goodluck Jonathan has declared a state of emergency in three northern states amid a rising Boko Haram insurgency. Key question: can the Nigerian military fight this battle without violating human rights of  civilians in those states? “‘What we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion, an insurgency by terrorists groups who pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity,’ he said. Jonathan said attacks have amounted to a ‘declaration of war’ against Nigeria and ordered the military to deploy more troops to stop the insurgency using ‘all necessary actions.’ Extraordinary measures, he said, include authorizing soldiers to seize any building or area they believe to be associated with militants.  The military will also conduct searches and arrest people found with illegal weapons.” (Voice of America http://bit.ly/10onpMl)