Islamists kill 44 in mosque

Extremists turn guns on worshippers in retaliation for citizens backing military.

Just days before the attack Nigerians, under heavy military security, were able to celebrate the Muslim holy day of Eid al-Fitr. Photo / AP

Suspected Islamist extremists have stormed a mosque and shot dead 44 worshippers as well as 12 other people in a nearby village in Nigeria's restive northeast.
The attacks are believed to be in revenge over citizen vigilante groups forming to help the military battle Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, which has been waging an insurgency since 2009.
"Gunmen believed to be Boko Haram members entered the mosque and opened fire on Muslim worshippers, killing 44," a senior government official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly of the attack in Konduga yesterday.
"We believe the attack was not unconnected with the co-operation residents are giving to security operatives in identifying and arresting Boko Haram members in their midst."
Nigeria's Daily Post reported that a further 26 people were being treated for injuries in hospital 35km away in the state capital, Maiduguri.
A local official said suspected Boko Haram members also raided Ngom village in the nearby Mafa district and shot dead 12 people on Sunday.

Some residents spoke of the attackers in Konduga arriving wearing army camouflage, a tactic they have used in the past to disguise themselves, though those details had not been officially confirmed.
In recent weeks, the military has encouraged the formation of groups to help authorities locate and arrest members of Boko Haram.
The vigilantes have been credited with reducing the number of attacks, but some have warned that the situation could lead to further violence.
Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in three northeastern states in May, as his troops carry out an offensive against the Islamist militants.
Boko Haram's insurgency has left at least 3600 people dead since 2009, including killings by the security forces, who have been accused of major abuses.
Boko Haram has claimed to be fighting for the creation of an Islamic state in Africa's most populous nation and largest oil producer, though it is believed to have various factions with differing aims.
Nigeria's 160 million population is roughly divided between a mainly Muslim north and predominantly Christian south.
Boko Haram
*A religious sect whose name roughly translates to Western education is forbidden. It was founded in 2001 by cleric Mohammad Yussuf.
*Has been fighting a brutal insurgency since 2009, denouncing the federal government as corrupt and demanding the imposition of Sharia law.
*Strongholds are the destitute cities of the north, where radical Islam took root as a protest against this poverty.