Hostage killings a new, dangerous turn for Nigeria - KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

Hostage killings a new, dangerous turn for Nigeria

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KANO, Nigeria (AP) - European diplomats say radical Islamic fighters have killed seven foreign hostages in Nigeria, raising questions about the African nation's continuing inability to halt attacks that have seen hundreds killed in shootings, church bombings and an attack on the United Nations.

The latest victims were four Lebanese and one citizen apiece from Britain, Greece and Italy.

Britain and Italy said all seven died at the hands of Ansaru, a previously little-known splinter group of the Islamic sect Boko Haram.

Analysts say Ansaru has closer links to al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb than Boko Haram and cares more about international issues, as opposed to Boko Haram's largely local grievances.

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