29 Jan 2011

Election candidate killed

1:01 pm on 29 January 2011

An opposition candidate for governor in the state of Borno in north-eastern Nigerian has been shot and killed.

Modu Fannami Gubio and at least four other people were killed by men on motorbikes after Friday prayers in Maiduguri city.

Mr Gubio was the candidate for the All Nigeria People's Party in April's elections.

The BBC reports that politicians and the police believe his killing was politically motivated.

The attack happened as Mr Gubio left his father's home after Friday prayers.

He was talking to his supporters when two motorcyles, each with a driver and gunman, approached and shot into the crowd.

Five people, including Mr Gubio and a child, were killed instantly. Two other people are in hospital.