This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25732319

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Nigerian city of Maiduguri hit by car bomb Nigeria Islamist violence: Bomb blast in Maiduguri
(35 minutes later)
A car bomb has exploded in the north-eastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, and there are fears of many casualties.A car bomb has exploded in the north-eastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, and there are fears of many casualties.
Blood-spattered people were seen fleeing and vehicles crashed into each other, while soldiers fired automatic weapons.Blood-spattered people were seen fleeing and vehicles crashed into each other, while soldiers fired automatic weapons.
A suicide bomber is suspected of being behind the blast, reportedly near a market. A suicide bomber is suspected of being behind the blast near a market.
The Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, has carried out numerous attacks in the region. The Islamist militant group Boko Haram has carried out numerous attacks in the region.
Its campaign of violence is aimed at imposing Islamic rule in northern Nigeria.Its campaign of violence is aimed at imposing Islamic rule in northern Nigeria.
The military confirmed to the BBC that an explosion had occurred in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, but did not give a figure for casualties.The military confirmed to the BBC that an explosion had occurred in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, but did not give a figure for casualties.
An eyewitness said he had seen what appeared to be dead bodies on the ground, and another spoke of seven fatalities. AFP news agency quoted police as saying 17 people had been killed. Witnesses spoke of seeing bodies on the ground.
A second car is reported to have been set on fire by the blast. Details are still sketchy. A second car is reported to have been set on fire by the blast.
On Sunday, suspected Boko Haram militants are reported to have attacked a market in the village of Kayamula, also in Borno state. Five traders were killed. This is the latest in a string of attacks blamed on Boko Haram. On Sunday, militants are reported to have attacked a market in the village of Kayamula, also in Borno state. Five traders were killed.
The group was also blamed for an attack on 20 December on a military barracks south-east of Maiduguri. Boko Haram was also suspected of being behind an attack on 20 December on a military barracks in the town of Bama, south-east of Maiduguri.
The group carried out co-ordinated attacks on Maiduguri's air base and military barracks - also in December - causing extensive damage.
In an attempt to combat the violence, the government declared a state of emergency in Borno last May, and in the neighbouring states of Adamawa and Yobe.
United Nations figures suggest more than 1,200 people have been killed in Islamist-related violence since the state of emergency was declared.