At least 80 reported dead in Nigerian clashes - Islamic group claims responsibility for bombs - Video

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria -AP- Police in northeastern Nigeria say that members of a radical Muslim sect have wounded three people.

The Borno state police spokesman said Wednesday that members of the radical Muslim sect Boko Haram had shot a retired senior police officer and two civilians in the city of Maiduguri Tuesday.

The group is also blamed for two Christmas Eve attacks on churches that killed six people.

In a statement attributed to the group, Boko Haram also claimed responsibility for Christmas Eve bomb blasts in a city about 320 miles (520 kilometers) away that left at least 32 dead.

Boko Haram was thought to be vanquished in 2009 after Nigeria's military crushed its mosque and its leader died in police custody. But now, a year later, members have stepped up attacks.