DHAKA: At least 31 security personnel have been killed following an attack on a military base in Nigeria by Boko Haram fighters, security sources and witnesses said. 

The attack on the base in the northeast Nigerian town of Buni Yadi in Yobe State on Tuesday happened not far from where the group shot or burned to death 59 students at a boarding school in February.

Witnesses said the armed men stormed the remote town at 8:00pm (19:00 GMT) on Monday, firing first on soldiers manning a checkpoint and razing the local police station.

A witness and resident of Buni Yadi, who identified himself only as Mustafa for fear of retribution, said the fighters arrived in an armoured personnel carrier and six Hilux trucks before dismounting and firing into the air.

They then torched the home of local government leader and several government buildings before turning their guns on an empty primary school, said witness Kura Babagana.

Source: Al-Jazeera

BDST: 0932 HRS, MAY 28, 2014