Gunmen attack churches

Nigeria: Gunmen attack churches

Gunmen in Nigeria have attacked two churches during Sunday services, killing and wounding worshippers.

In the central city of Jos, a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a church, killing at least two people and wounding dozens more.

Five gunmen opened fire in Biu in Borno state, killing one woman and injuring three other people.

No-one has admitted the latest attacks, but radical Islamic sect Boko Haram has targeted churches before.

One witness at the church in Biu said that "gunmen came to the premises of the church and started firing at people outside the church before going into the main building to carry on their killings", Reuters news agency reported.

"Many people have been killed and wounded," witness Hamidu Wakawa was quoted as saying.

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In a country already divided along religious lines these attacks have the potential to trigger further clashes between Muslims and Christians. The Islamist militant group Boko Haram has admitted carrying out past attacks on churches. They said these were in revenge for killings of Muslims in central Nigeria during previous bouts of violence.
Boko Haram says it wants to impose Sharia law across Nigeria. A recent statement from the group rejected the idea of peace talks with the government and vowed to increase the attacks.

Moments after the suicide bombing in Jos, Christian youths set up roadblocks and had to be dispersed by police, according to one witness.

"Angry youths have gone wild, even attempting to prevent the security personnel from getting to the scene of the incident. They had to force their way out by shooting in the air to disperse them," Emmanuel Davou was quoted by Reuters as saying.

The explosion killed at least two worshippers and the suicide bomber, while wounding more than 40 others.

But government sources feared "scores" may have died, according to news agency AFP.

Boko Haram has carried out numerous attacks in northern Nigeria, killing hundreds of people since 2009.

The group - whose name means "No to Western education" - wants to impose Sharia law across Nigeria.

It has targeted churches, schools, police stations, and other government buildings.

The group has said it was behind the suicide bombing of a church last weekend which left at least 12 people dead in Bauchi City.

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Written by NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE

Sodiq Oyeleke is a Media, Human Resources, Project Management and Public Relations Practitioner