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Attacks in Nigeria Leave at Least 65 Dead


Mourners in northeastern Nigeria are making funeral arrangements for dozens of people killed in a series of coordinated bombings and shootings committed by a radical Islamic sect.

Relief officials say at least 65 people died in Friday's violence that targeted police stations, churches and a bank in the towns of Damaturu, Potiskum, and Maiduguri.

Islamist sect Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attacks, with a spokesman warning that more are on the way.

A spokesman for Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan issued his condemnation, saying the attacks forced the president to skip his brother's wedding in southern Bayelsa state.

In a statement, the United Nations Security Council condemned the violence and expressed sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families. It urged member states to ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

The attacks come two days before the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha, or the feast of sacrifice.

Boko Haram wants to establish a strict Islamic state in northern Nigeria. The group claimed responsibility for the deadly August 26 attack on the United Nations headquarters in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

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