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Death Toll Tops 100 From Militant Attack in Nigeria


Police officers stand guard in front of the burnt-out remains of homes and businesses in the village of Konduga, in northeastern Nigeria, Feb. 12, 2014.
Police officers stand guard in front of the burnt-out remains of homes and businesses in the village of Konduga, in northeastern Nigeria, Feb. 12, 2014.
The death toll has risen to 106 from an attack on a Nigerian village by suspected Islamist militants.

Witnesses say gunmen dressed as soldiers attacked the village of Izge late Saturday in Borno state, setting fire to residents' homes and shooting people who tried to flee.

Borno Senator Ali Ndume provided the latest death toll to VOA Hausa Service on Monday.

Initial reports said most of the victims were Christian, but local residents say the village is predominantly Muslim and most casualties are believed to be Muslim as well.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but authorities suspect the Islamist militant group Boko Haram was behind the attack.

The shadowy group is blamed for thousands of deaths since 2009, including attacks on mosques, churches, villages, markets and government facilities.

Efforts by the Nigerian military to stamp out the group have not stopped the violence.

The military deployed soldiers to Izge after Saturday's attack, but has not commented on the situation. Witnesses say the village was largely deserted Monday.
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