Post-Election Violence Rips Nigeria

LAGOS, Nigeria —  Militants stoned five police officers to death and set their station ablaze Wednesday, and security forces retaliated by firing into crowds as anger over the results of Nigeria’s presidential election exploded into street battles.

At least eight people were killed Wednesday in election-related violence, witnesses said. Other reports cited up to 14 deaths.

Violence has plagued parts of Lagos since Olusegun Obasanjo won Saturday’s presidential election. The latest bloodshed apparently began when members of a radical anti-government group attacked a police station near a working-class neighborhood.

Residents said five policemen were beaten and stoned to death after being dragged from the station. Later, police fired live ammunition and tear gas at crowds.

Officers in riot gear singled out young men in the crowds and beat them with whips, rifle butts and pieces of timber. Armored vehicles patrolled the streets.