Boko Haram kills 39, legislator, disrupting Nigeria election

World Today

People in a camp for people that were displaced following attacks by Boko Haram, register to vote before casting their ballot later in the day, in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Saturday March 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Jossy Ola)

Witnesses and officials say Boko Haram extremists killed 39 people, including a legislator, in northeastern Nigeria, disrupting the country’s presidential election.

All the attacks took place in the northeast where the military Friday announced it had cleared the Islamic extremists from all major centers.

Residents of the town of Miringa say Boko Haram militants torched people’s homes early Saturday and then shot them as they tried to escape. Twenty-five reportedly died.

Witnesses and officials say another 14 people, including Gombe state legislator Umaru Ali, died later Saturday in attacks on the towns of Biri and Dukku.

Elsewhere, tens of millions of Nigerians took part in the closely contested and largely peaceful presidential election.

This is an Associated Press story.


First time voters in Nigeria optimistic about change

Deadly attacks and glitches at the polls have led a voting extension to Sunday in some parts of Nigeria. Millions who voted for the first time, mostly youth, remain optimistic their vote will bring much needed change.

CCTV Africa’s Sophia Adengo filed this report from Abuja.


Jonah Blank of the RAND Corp. discusses Nigeria’s presidential election

CCTV America interviewed Jonah Blank for more on Nigeria’s vote. Blank is an author, an anthropologist and a Political Scientist with the RAND Corporation.


Voting starts late at polling stations in Lagos

More than a dozen candidates are competing against incumbent Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian who is seeking a second term. His main rival Muhammadu Buhari is a Muslim and former military dictator. Millions have already voted. Many more will get an extra day to decide who will be their new leader.

CCTV Africa’s Deji Badmus filed this report from Lagos.