A Nigerian state governor says militant group Boko Haram is "better armed and better motivated" than government forces trying to stop their attacks.

Borno state governor Kashim Shettima spoke to reporters late Monday in the capital, Abuja, two days after suspected Boko Haram fighters killed more than 100 people in the Borno village of Izge.

The governor said, "Given the present state of affairs, it is absolutely impossible for us to defeat Boko Haram."

The military rejected the governor's comments and said it is gaining ground against the militants, who are blamed for thousands of deaths across northern Nigeria since 2009.

Nigeria has declared a state of emergency in three northeastern states, including Borno, and launched operations to destroy Boko Haram camps. But large-scale attacks in the region have continued.

At least 39 people died when suspected Boko Haram fighters disguised as soldiers attacked the Borno town of Konduga on February 11.

Shettima said he met with President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday and urged him to commit more troops and resources to the fight.

Other Nigerian leaders have called for peace talks with Boko Haram. However, the government's vow to crush the militants and the group's factionalized nature have made it difficult to get talks started.


Source: VOA News