Landmine kills three in northeast Nigeria
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Soldiers and policemen walk past a burnt house on February 4, 2016 in the village of Dalori village after an attack by Boko Haram militants left at least 85 people dead on January 30, 2016. (AFP Photo)
Three civilian fighters on their way to combat Boko Haram militants in northeast Nigeria have been killed when their vehicle hit a landmine.
According to Press TV, local residents said on Tuesday that seven more fighters on board the vehicle were injured.
"We lost three of our colleagues to a roadside bomb yesterday evening on their way to repel Boko Haram in Huyum," said Adamu Galadima, a fighter in the town of Askira Uba.
"The vigilantes were approaching Huyum, which was under Boko Haram attack, when the front tire of their vehicle hit a bomb planted by the attackers", said Galadima, who attended the victims' funerals.
Boko Haram militants had laid mine traps for soldiers coming from Askira or vigilantes from nearby hamlets, said Huyum resident Peter Malgwui.
"Vigilantes from Chul heard of the attack and rushed to counter the Boko Haram gunmen when they hit the bomb, killing three and injuring seven," added Malgwui, who fled following the attack.
Boko Haram gunmen travelling in an open van attacked Huyum at about 7:30 pm (1830 GMT), firing indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee into the bush, he said.
ME
