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Residents: Islamic extremists rampaging in northeast Nigeria with no troops to defend people

Associated Press
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FILE - In this file photo taken on Thursday Nov. 27, 2014, civilians who fled their homes following an attack by Islamist militants, in North East Nigeria walk away after receiving relief materials from the government at the camp for internally displaced people in Yola, Nigeria. Islamic extremists are rampaging through villages in northeast Nigeria's Adamawa state, killing, burning and looting with no troops deployed to protect civilians, fleeing villagers said Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba,File) (The Associated Press)

FILE-In this file photo taken on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2014, vigilantes and local hunters armed with locally made guns gather before they go on patrol in Yola, Nigeria, Islamic extremists are rampaging through villages in northeast Nigeria's Adamawa state, killing, burning and looting with no troops deployed to protect civilians, fleeing villagers said Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, File) (The Associated Press)

In this photo taken Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, people including stranded villagers at a local market after recent violence in surrounding areas at Maiduguri, Nigeria. Islamic extremists are rampaging through villages in northeast Nigeria’s Adamawa state, killing, burning and looting with no troops deployed to protect civilians, fleeing villagers said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Jossy Ola) (The Associated Press)

Residents say Islamic extremists are rampaging through villages in northeast Nigeria's Adamawa state and no troops have deployed to protect civilians.

They say more than 40 people have been killed in seven villages, houses and mosques have been burned down and businesses and homes looted this week.

State legislator Adamu Kamale says he has appealed in vain to authorities to send troops since the attacks began on Friday and militants Monday attacked Michika town.

People fleeing militant attacks in neighboring Borno state report Boko Haram fighters say they are preparing "a big grave" for them in Maiduguri, the biggest city in the northeast where troops repelled an offensive by hundreds of militants Sunday.

The extremists who denounce democracy are increasing attacks as Nigeria prepares for Feb. 14 elections.