Leader of Nigerian Islamic Sect Killed

(31 July 09 - RV) The leader of a radical Islamic sect in northern Nigeria was shot dead in police custody late yesterday after days of clashes between his followers and the security forces killed hundreds of people. Christian Solidarity Worldwide says that the Islamic Group Boko Haram was also behind earlier violence in Bauchi Town in February, during which at least eleven people died, over 1,500 Christians were displaced, and 14 churches, eight vicarages, one mosque and numerous homes were destroyed. Dr Khataza Gondwe is an expert in sub-Saharan Africa at CSW: