Nigerians: Cameroon troops chase insurgents, kill 70

ABUJA, Nigeria — Fleeing villagers in Nigeria's northeast say Cameroonian troops have killed at least 70 residents while chasing Islamic insurgents into communities in the Gwoza area of Borno state.

Muhammed Abba, commander of a local group in Jimnana set up to fight Boko Haram, said late Tuesday that Cameroon troops came into the area Sunday. He said they asked where the extremists were, and started firing. People ran. He said 70 dead civilians were found Monday.

Abbas Gava, Borno state spokesman for the civilian group fighting extremists, said fleeing residents have reported that Boko Haram members ran into Kirawa-Jimni. He said troops opened fire without hesitation while in pursuit.

Nigerian refugees said on Nov. 30 Cameroonian troops staged a similar chase, killing 150 villagers.

Cameroon has denied those charges.