At least 1,200 people have been killed in the last four years in Northern Nigeria by the militant Islamist group Boko Haram, according to a preliminary investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC), it was reported in August.
The court is investigating Boko Haram for ‘crimes against humanity’ through ‘widespread and systematic attacks’, the scale and intensity of which have increased over time. Its initial report is based on statistics leading up to December 2012, and the ICC is now considering whether it merits further investigation.
Ceasefire rejected
Boko Haram has also rejected a proposed ceasefire by the Nigerian government. ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said the court is considering whether the government has done enough to prevent the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice. Ayo Oritsejafor, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, said in a recent speech that Boko Haram killed Christians at a rate of 100 per month in 2012.
