Attackers use gunfire on army patrol

killing at least three civilians, the military said yesterday.

The incident on Saturday, Nigeria’s independence day, occurred in Maiduguri, hit by scores of attacks blamed on an Islamist sect known as Boko Haram, which also claimed an August bombing of UN headquarters in the capital Abuja.

“There was a bomb and gun attack on one of our patrol teams yesterday,” said Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Mohammed, adding that three civilians were killed.
Residents previously reported finding two dead bodies after the bomb blast and an exchange of gunfire between soldiers and attackers. It was unclear whether they were killed by the bomb or gunfire.

Those attending a nearby wedding took cover when the violence broke out.
Two residents said those killed were not part of the wedding party.

Thousands have fled Maiduguri in recent months for fear of further violence. Dozens of similar bomb blasts have hit the city as well as assassinations blamed on Boko Haram. – AFP.