Lagos, Nigeria - Suspected members of the Islamic fundamentalist group Boko Haram have shot dead two policemen in Nigeria's northern Kaduna state, raising fears the group may be spreading terror to more states in the predominantly-Muslim north. The local press reported Wednesday that the two police Corporals were shot dead by two gunmen riding on a motorcycle, while they (policemen) were on guard duty in the state capital, Kaduna, overnight Monday.

Boko Haram, which means Western education is sacrilege, has hitherto restricted its high-profile killings to their base in Borno state, as well as in nearby Bauchi state.

Analysts said the killing in Kaduna could signal the determination of the group to carry out their acts of terror in other states, especially in the north.

Last month, unknown gunmen suspected to be members of the group shot dead seven persons, including governorship candidate in April's general election, in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state.

Boko Haram was behind the 2009 violence that claimed about 700 lives in several states in the north, and has recently been engaging in drive-by shootings in Maiduguri, targeting security agents and politicians.

Pana 03/03/2011