Suspected extremists kill pastor in NE Nigeria

YOLA, Nigeria (AP) — A local leader says gunmen ransacked a mainly Christian village in Nigeria's northeast, killing the pastor before being repelled by vigilantes.

Madagali council chairman Maina Ularamu said Saturday the suspected Islamic militants also tried to burn down the village of Sabon Garin Yamdula during Friday's attack, but vigilante youths firing guns set them to flight and soldiers later deployed. He said the pastor was rushed to the hospital but died.

He could not confirm other casualties.

In a separate attack, police reported that a bus Friday set off an improved explosive device on the highway through nearby Kuthra village, killing seven passengers.

Thousands have been killed during a 4-year-old uprising by extremists who want Shariah law imposed across Africa's biggest oil producer, which is divided equally between Christians and Muslims.