Buhari under pressure over Boko Haram attacks

Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari is under increasing pressure to act decisively to end violence in Africa's most-populous state.

Parliament's lower chamber - the House of Representatives - has called for a nationwide state of emergency to be declared.

Many Nigerians, including MPs, also want Mr Buhari to replace his security chiefs.

The calls came as attacks by Boko Haram and other militant Islamist groups are increasing, especially in the north.

A few days ago, at least 30 people were killed in a night-time raid by suspected Boko Haram fighters in the town of Auno in north-eastern Borno State.

Most of the dead were motorists and passengers sleeping in their cars during a stopover in the town, which is a short distance from the state capital, Maiduguri.

During a condolence visit to Maiduguri on Wednesday, President Buhari said he was surprised that Boko Haram was continuing to carry out attacks despite the huge budget allocated for counter-insurgency operations in the north-east.

An angry Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum told President Buhari that horrific attacks had been witnessed since March 2019.

He challenged the military to change strategies to fight Boko Haram.

Mr Buhari was also booed by some residents.

Just an hour after the president’s departure, a new attack was launched in Maiduguri's Jiddari Polo neighbourhood, which also resulted in the loss of lives.

President Buhari, a former military ruler, was elected in 2015 on a counter-terrorism platform. Pressure is, therefore, likely to grow on him to curb the violence.

Other parts of Nigeria have also been affected by instability - including banditry, kidnappings, and disputes over land.