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Nigerian Islamist attacks spread Nigerian Islamist attacks spread
(9 minutes later)
Islamist militants have staged three co-ordinated attacks in northern Nigeria leaving dozens dead, a day after a similar number was killed.Islamist militants have staged three co-ordinated attacks in northern Nigeria leaving dozens dead, a day after a similar number was killed.
A BBC reporter has counted 50 bodies near the police headquarters in Maiduguri, Borno State, where hundreds are fleeing their homes.A BBC reporter has counted 50 bodies near the police headquarters in Maiduguri, Borno State, where hundreds are fleeing their homes.
Witnesses told the BBC a gun battle raged for hours in Potiskum, Yobe State and a police station was set on fire.Witnesses told the BBC a gun battle raged for hours in Potiskum, Yobe State and a police station was set on fire.
Some of the militants follow a preacher who campaigns against Western schools.Some of the militants follow a preacher who campaigns against Western schools.
Mohammed Yusuf says Western education is against Islamic teaching.Mohammed Yusuf says Western education is against Islamic teaching.
There has also been an attack in Wudil, some 20km (12 miles) from Kano, the largest city in northern Nigeria.There has also been an attack in Wudil, some 20km (12 miles) from Kano, the largest city in northern Nigeria.
A curfew is in force in Bauchi, the scene of Sunday's violence.A curfew is in force in Bauchi, the scene of Sunday's violence.
Sharia law is in place across northern Nigeria, but there is no history of al-Qaeda-linked violence in the country.Sharia law is in place across northern Nigeria, but there is no history of al-Qaeda-linked violence in the country.
Nigeria's 150 million people are split almost equally between Muslims and Christians and the two groups generally live peacefully side by side, despite occasional outbreaks of communal violence.Nigeria's 150 million people are split almost equally between Muslims and Christians and the two groups generally live peacefully side by side, despite occasional outbreaks of communal violence.
'Education is prohibited''Education is prohibited'
Militants chanting "God is great" attacked the Potiskum police station at about 0215 local time (0115 GMT) - the same time as the raid was launched in Maiduguri.Militants chanting "God is great" attacked the Potiskum police station at about 0215 local time (0115 GMT) - the same time as the raid was launched in Maiduguri.
The police station and neighbouring buildings in Potiskum have been razed to the ground, eyewitnesses say.The police station and neighbouring buildings in Potiskum have been razed to the ground, eyewitnesses say.
There are unconfirmed reports of more deaths in Maiduguri, as well as a jailbreak in the town.There are unconfirmed reports of more deaths in Maiduguri, as well as a jailbreak in the town.
The police many arrested after Sunday's violence in Bauchi
In Wudil, three people have been killed and more than 33 arrested. The senior police officer in Wudil has been wounded.In Wudil, three people have been killed and more than 33 arrested. The senior police officer in Wudil has been wounded.
Security is said to have been beefed up in Plateau State, to the south of Bauchi, where hundreds were killed in clashes between Muslims and Christians last year.Security is said to have been beefed up in Plateau State, to the south of Bauchi, where hundreds were killed in clashes between Muslims and Christians last year.
The security forces have confirmed Monday's attacks but have not released any casualty figures.The security forces have confirmed Monday's attacks but have not released any casualty figures.
Medical sources have told the BBC that two police officers have been taken to hospital in Potiskum.Medical sources have told the BBC that two police officers have been taken to hospital in Potiskum.
Mr Yusuf's followers in Bauchi are known as Boko Haram, which means "Education is prohibited".Mr Yusuf's followers in Bauchi are known as Boko Haram, which means "Education is prohibited".
They attacked a police station on Sunday after some of their leaders were arrested.They attacked a police station on Sunday after some of their leaders were arrested.
Correspondents say the group is seen locally as a fringe group and has aroused suspicion for its recruitment of young men, and its belief that Western education, Western culture and science are sinful.Correspondents say the group is seen locally as a fringe group and has aroused suspicion for its recruitment of young men, and its belief that Western education, Western culture and science are sinful.


Are you in Nigeria? Have you been affected by the clashes? Send us your comments.Are you in Nigeria? Have you been affected by the clashes? Send us your comments.
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