Nigeria: 14 killed in Boko Haram attacks

By Olarewaju Kola

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AA) - At least 14 people were killed and 24 injured in Boko Haram attacks late Wednesday on Nigeria's northeastern city of Maiduguri, police said Thursday.

The insurgents fired heavy guns into the city as Muslims prepared to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan, forcing masses of residents to flee, according to accounts by police and residents.

"Boko Haram terrorists came through Mole, sporadically firing anti-aircraft guns into Jiddari Polo and Federal High Court, firing on some houses and makeshift accommodations," said Borno State Police Commissioner Damian Chukwu.

One civilian died in the stampede from the city, said Chukwu, adding that one soldier was wounded and one militant captured alive.

Following the dusk attack, 13 people, including suicide bombers, were killed and 24 wounded in multiple explosions in the outlying village of Goni Kachalla, he added.

The Goni Kachalla attack came as Muslims were coming out of the mosque after breaking their fast.

The attack, the first in the area since 2015, came as the nation's acting President Yemi Osibanjo visited for the distribution of food to victims of nearly seven years of Boko Haram violence.