Red Cross aiding diplaced Nigerians

The International Committee of the Red Cross said it was providing assistance to about 2,400 people who have fled violence in northern Nigeria. The ICRC said it was stationed in southeastern Niger to help the hundreds of families who left their homes in northern Nigeria. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency over three northern Nigeria states due to fighting linked to Islamic militant group Boko Haram. Nigerian officials this week said the emergency situation had eased as the military pressed further north. ICRC Regional Director Jean-Nicolas Marti said displaced families had enough emergency food supplies to last about a month. "These people, most of whom are originally from Niger but settled in Nigeria some time back, in some cases decades ago, are completely destitute," he said in a statement. "Their situation is very precarious, and they urgently need help." The United Nations urged Nigerian authorities to show restraint during the offensive. 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.