Suspected Islamist militants dressed in military clothing massacred at least 44 people praying at a mosque in Nigeria’s troubled Northeast.  A dozen more people were killed in a simultaneous attack elsewhere in Borno state.

It happened in an area known for violence committed by the Boko Haram band of Islamists.  Boko Haram in the past has attacked mosques whose clerics have spoken out against its brand of religious extremism.  The group also has attacked churches and school, as well as government and military targets, in its battle against any western influence in Northern Nigeria, killing more than 1,700 people in just over three years.

The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital is reportedly caring for at least 26 wounded people.

Although Boko Haram didn’t immediately take credit for the massacres, the violence coincided with the release of a video in which the group’s leader taunts authorities.

The military has cut cell phone and Internet service in Borno state, saying that Boko Haram apparently used cell phones to coordinate its attacks.