Curfew slammed on Nigerian town after killing of Christians, soldiers

Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - The government of Kogi State in central Nigeria on Tuesday imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the town of Okene, a day after gunmen killed 19 worshippers of the Deeper Life Bible Church in the town, the government said in a statement.

The government also restricted the movement of commercial motorcyclists, popularly called "Okada", from 6am to 6pm local time in the capital city of Lokoja.

The worshippers were killed during the church's weekly Bible study on Monday night,  when the gunmen invaded the church, turned off the power generator and opened fire on the members.

On Tuesday, two soldiers were killed in the same town when gunmen fired on them, according to Kogi State Police Command spokesman Simon Ile.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks.

However, the violent Islamic sect Boko Haram has carried out several attacks in the state, including the release of many prisoners.

The sect has recently stepped up its attacks in the predominantly-Muslim northern Nigeria, as part of its campaign to set up an Islamic state in the country.
-0- PANA SEG/MA 7Aug2012