At least 34 people were killed after a failed cattle raid in a northeastern market, an official and witnesses said Thursday. Other officials offered higher death tolls. Witnesses said the violence began Wednesday when gunmen started shooting in the Potiskum market in Yobe State as they tried to steal cattle. Three people were killed before the attackers ran out of ammunition. All but one of the gunmen escaped. People in the market beat the gunman left behind before dousing him in gasoline and lighting him on fire, witnesses said. Later, the gunmen returned, killing more people and cattle. A local hospital said it had received 34 bodies. Nwakpa O. Nwakpa, a spokesman for the Nigerian Red Cross, said at least 33 people had been wounded. Toyin Gbadegeshin, a Yobe State police spokesman, blamed Boko Haram, an Islamic sect, but witnesses said the gunmen were cattle raiders who sought revenge after their first attack failed.

Source: The Associated Press