At least 34 have been killed after gunmen armed with explosives attacked a cattle market in the northeast of Nigeria, burning it to the ground.
“A group of gunmen armed with around 20 explosives and assault rifles attacked the Potiskum cattle market,” police spokesman Toyin Gbadegesin said.
Local residents and officials said the late Wednesday attack in the city of Potiskum may be in revenge for an earlier incident, in which traders killed a man who tried to steal cattle.
The traders had reportedly fought with a gang who sought to rob the market, and caught one of the attackers. Criminal gangs often seek to provoke panic at markets, forcing traders to flee so they can steal their wares.
Boko Haram has carried out scores of attacks in north-eastern Nigeria, including in Potiskum, however witnesses say the attack does not appear to be the work of the militant group.
—-Agencies