Schools in Nigerian state close to avoid attacks

The governor of Nigeria's northeast Yobe state is ordering all schools closed to avoid attacks by Islamic militants who have killed dozens of students and teachers.

Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam issued the order Sunday after visiting students with burn and gunshot wounds from Saturday's attack on a boarding school outside Potiskum, the state's second largest town. Extremists set a dormitory ablaze, burning some students alive.

At least 29 students and one teacher were killed.

Last month Islamic fighters attacked at least two schools, killing 16 students and two teachers.

Gaidam said such attacks could be averted if the military would resume cell phone service cut to three northeastern states since the government declared a state of emergency May 14. He said residents could have alerted the military by cell phone.