The US State Department says Nigeria’s election next month is a contributing factor behind the sharp increase in attacks by Boko Haram militants in the north of the country. Spokeswoman Marie Harf says the February 14 presidential election should still go ahead despite the violence, which has seen more than 2,000 people killed in northern Nigeria. Around 20,000 Nigerians has been forced to flee the country in recent weeks, with Boko Haram previously using events such as elections to stir up tensions.
