Dozens dead after security forces battle Islamic sect

Fighting between Islamic militants and security forces in northern Nigeria left at least 38 people dead as sect members armed with spears, knives, assault rifles and arrows ransacked a neighbourhood and set homes ablaze, police officials said.

Mohammed Barau, a police spokesman for Bauchi state, said members of the Kata Kalo sect began fighting among themselves on Monday night and accusing each other of causing their leader to fall seriously ill.