US deeply concerned over fighting in Nigeria

The US has voiced deep concern over the fighting in northeastern Nigeria, urging the security forces to "respect" human rights and the rule of law. US Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement, late on Friday, that the US is "deeply concerned about the fighting in northeastern Nigeria following President (Goodluck) Jonathan's declaration of a state of emergency in the Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states." He added "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," he stressed. "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," he remarked.