Boko Haram fighters gather in mass in northeast Nigeria for showdown

MAIDUGURI Residents and an intelligence officer say Boko Haram fighters are massing at their headquarters in the northeast Nigerian town of Gwoza in preparation for a showdown with multinational forces.

A woman trapped there since Gwoza was seized in July told her daughter that Islamic extremists are urging civilians to leave town to avoid being killed in crossfire in an anticipated major battle.

Hajiya Adama said fighters have released some kidnapped and pregnant young women.

An intelligence officer says Boko Haram is surrounding the town with land mines. He confirmed forces from Chad are in the area, speaking on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the press. Chadian and Nigerian troops in recent weeks have retaken a score of towns held for months by Boko Haram.

AP

Nigerian league champions match called off after attack

ABUJA An opening day fixture of the new Nigeria Premier League season involving champions Kano Pillars has been postponed after armed robbers shot and wounded at least five players.

The League Management Company (LMC) announced that Saturday's match with Heartland was called off because of the attack on Thursday as Pillars travelled to the game in Owerri, eastern Nigeria.

Striker Mohammed Gambo, midfielder Eneji Otekpa and defender Reuben Ogbonnaya were among those who suffered bullet wounds when robbers opened fire after stealing cash and telephones.

"We are still in shock after the robbery," said Pillars defender Isaac Loute.

"They just opened fire at the bus and the bus stopped, the next thing they started asking us to bring out our money, which we did. They collected money and our phones.
"After which they still shot some of our players. We thank God nobody died," he added.