Italian, British hostages killed in Nigeria

A British and an Italian hostage held by militant groups in Nigeria have been killed by their captures after a joint British-Nigerian rescue operation failed to free them. “It is with great regret that I have to say that both Chris and Franco [the two hostages] have lost their lives,” British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Thursday, adding that “We are still awaiting confirmation of the details, but the early indications are clear that both men were murdered by their captors, before they could be rescued.” Cameron added that he had authorized the mission after receiving credible information regarding the hostages’ location. The two were abducted by militant groups nearly a year ago. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan blamed the killing on the militant group Boko Haram and said the perpetrators had been arrested. “The president, who particularly commended the cooperation and understanding of the British and Italian governments, assured that the perpetrators of the murderous act, who have all been arrested, would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” a statement released from Jonathan’s office said. Meanwhile, seven other people were killed in an attack by gunmen on a police station and two banks in a remote part of northeast Nigeria. At least four of the dead were police officers. Militant group Boko Haram has been blamed for increasingly deadly attacks in Nigeria -- Africa's most populous nation and largest oil producer.