Ethiopia's government Wednesday declared a state of emergency in Tigray after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered a military response to a deadly attack by the ruling party of the restive region on a federal troop camp.

A statement issued by Abiy's office said the Federal Council of Ministers made the declaration "recognising that illegal and violent activities within the National Regional State of Tigray are endangering the constitution and constitutional order."

In September, Tigray held regional elections in defiance of the federal government, which called the vote "illegal". 

The row has escalated in recent days with both sides accusing each other of plotting a military conflict.

Veronic Njie reports.