A bomb planted by suspected Islamists, Boko Haram wounded eight policemen Friday in the violence-hit city of Maiduguri, the military said, while soldiers were again accused of shooting civilians.

The incidents were the latest violence in Maiduguri, where thousands of residents have fled out of fear of more Islamist attacks and troops’ response, with soldiers earlier accused of shooting civilians and burning homes.
“The bomb was planted and the van drove over it, exploding and injuring eight policemen,” said Colonel Victor Ebhaleme, operations commander for a military-police task force in the northeastern city.
“The bomb was from all indications planted by members of Boko Haram that have been engaged in such attacks.”
An emergency source said there had been reports of shootings by the military, with a number of innocent civilians killed, though he could not yet provide details.
“The situation is very scary,” he said on condition of anonymity. “It’s terrible. Everybody is thinking about their lives.”
Ebhaleme denied soldiers targeted civilians, saying the area had been cordoned off in case of multiple explosions, to collect evidence and for the speedy evacuation of any possible casualties.