Nigeria: Two officers feared dead after gunmen attack Kano police station

In Nigeria, two police offers are feared dead in the northern city of Kano, after gunmen opened fire on a police station, Agence France Presse reported.

Attacks in the same city last week – that were claimed by the Islamist group Boko Haram – killed 185 people.

More on GlobalPost: 'Come out and talk,' Nigerian leader tells Boko Haram

Residents said Friday's attack took place in the Mandawari neighborhood, just before 7pm local time, at the start of a night-time curfew that was imposed on Kano following the most recent bomb and gun attacks.

Reports said the gunmen were traveling on motorbike, and in a van, when they opened fire on the police station.

AFP reported that an unnamed witness at the scene said:

“It was quite brief, lasting not more than five minutes … Two policemen lay in pools of blood."

Reuters reported that the attack took place near the palace of the emir of Kano, the city’s traditional leader.

The latest attacks come after the Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, urged Boko Haram to identify itself – and state its demands – with the aim of dialogue.

Jonathan said Boko Haram had links with extremist groups outside Nigeria, and that if the militants did not identify itself, talks would be impossible.

More on GlobalPost: Boko Haram suspects arrested after Kano bombings (VIDEO)