UNITED NATIONS, May 17 (UPI) -- All parties to the conflict in Nigeria are called on to do their utmost to ensure international laws are respected, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan this week declared a state of emergency for three northern states in response to threats from Islamist militant group Boko Haram.
Militants suspected to be from Boko Haram killed more than 40 people in attacks on a village in northern Nigeria last week. At least 200 people died and more than 2,000 homes were destroyed in a recent military raid seen as a response to a Boko Haram attack on area police.
Ban issued a statement through his spokesman's office expressing concern about the deteriorating security situation in northeast Nigeria.
"He underscores the need for all concerned to fully respect human rights and to safeguard the lives of all Nigerians," the statement read.
Jonathan said recent activities by Boko Haram amounted to a declaration of war. Residents in the country's northeast told the BBC the Nigerian military launched an offensive against Boko Haram targets Friday.
Boko Haram aims to establish an Islamist state in Nigeria, divided along Muslim and Christian lines. Jonathan is a Christian.
