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Attack on Nigeria political rally leaves several dead
[The Nation (Nairobi)] Attackers targeted a rally for a prominent politician in Nigeria's oil-producing region, killing several people and wounding scores of others, a military front man and witness said today.An AFP correspondent who was at the scene said it appeared around four people were killed, while some local media reported six dead. Authorities confirmed two fatalities. The attack on Friday occurred as Timi Alaibe returned to his home in Bayelsa state from the capital Abuja after resigning from his post as President Goodluck Jonathan's adviser on the oil-rich Niger Delta region. Alaibe resigned to run for governor in Bayelsa in April elections, and a crowd of supporters welcomed him at the airport on Friday before following him to his home in a convoy. A rally then took place at his home and compound in the town of Opokuma. The attackers may have infiltrated the crowd at the airport, Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Antigha told AFP. They are believed to have worn Alaibe shirts being passed out to disguise themselves, he said, adding that some people were attacked inside Alaibe's compound and others outside. It appeared most of the attackers used machetes and knives, while a gun is believed to have been stolen from a police officer and also used, he said. Posted by: Fred 2011-01-09 |
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