Boko Haram insurgency costs Nigeria $9bn since 2011May 18, 2016 - 16:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Boko Haram’s seven year insurgency has caused $9 billion of damage in six northern Nigerian states since 2011, according to the office of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Africa News says. Earlier in March, a report by the World Bank estimated the jihadists had caused $5.9 billion worth of damages in Borno state in northeast Nigeria. The report reveals the extent of damage caused by the Islamist rebellion that began in 2009 controlling a large territory in the northeast for sometime. The human damage is also considerable with the militants estimated to have killed at least 20,000 people and displaced up to 2.3 million others in northeastern Nigeria as part of their campaign to establish Sharia law in Africa’s largest economy, Africa News says. Authorities in Yobe – one of the states that has borne the brunt of the militants – put the number of internally displaced persons at more than 300,000 and said most of them are living in atrocious conditions in Internally Displaced persons (IDP) camps. Yobe’s governor estimates at least 1,098 medical centers and classrooms have been destroyed in the state in the past five years. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |