Civilians trapped after sect violence in Nigeria

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) — Residents of a northeastern Nigerian city said they found themselves trapped indoors Wednesday without access to essential items after authorities declared a 24-hour curfew in response to multiple attacks from a radical Islamist sect that left at least 40 people dead.

At least 34 civilians and six security officers were killed in the Boko Haram sect attacks that engulfed Damaturu, said Yobe State police chief Patrick Egbuniwe, including four policemen and two soldiers. The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers continue to search for the wounded and dead. The Nigerian Red Cross had previously said that the attacks had left at least 25 people dead and 25 wounded.

The radical Islamist sect launched its attacks Monday evening with blasts targeting police and military targets in the city of Damaturu, authorities said. Gunfire echoed across the city for hours, spilling into Tuesday afternoon.

The city was deserted Wednesday after the government imposed a 24-hour curfew that left residents trapped wherever they were when violence erupted.