2 Indians shot dead in Nigeria

Suspected members of Islamist group Boko Haram attacked a gum arabic factory in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria on Wednesday, killing two Indian nationals and stealing about $600 in cash, authorities said.

“The incident led to the death of two Indians — one wounded and is receiving treatment at the State Specialist Hospital,” a statement from a military task force in the city said.

“Suspects made away with 99,000 naira ($620) from the factory. The area has been cordoned off and a search is in progress with the view to apprehending the culprits.”

Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, the spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO), said in a statement in Maiduguri that the incident happened 10 a.m.

“Information available to the JTF indicated that suspected members of Boko Haram terrorists group attacked a Gum Arabic Factory located at Bayern Quarters, Maiduguri.

“The incident happened at about 10.00 hours during heavy rainfall,’’ Musa said.

The Indians were the managers of the gum arabic factory.

Boko Haram has been blamed for scores of attacks that have killed hundreds, mainly in the country’s predominantly Muslim north.