Boko Haram, which is calling for stricter Islamic law in Nigeria, launched attacks on Friday in Damaturu, Maiduguri and Patiskum, in the north of the country.

 

At least 100 people were killed in Damaturu. Agence France Presse put the death toll as high as 150. The BBC reports that nine churches were attacked in the city, while the Nigerian newspaper The Nation said several congregations held open-air services yesterday in the burnt-out ruins of their churches.

 

‘Boko Haram seems to be bent on destabilising the nation to pave the way for an Islamist state – and at the forefront of their attacks are churches,’ says Release CEO Andy Dipper. ‘Release is concerned that Christians will continue to be prime targets in the militants’ drive to impose ever stricter Islamic law in Nigeria.’

 

Other targets included police headquarters, government buildings and banks ‘But in this incident, and in earlier attacks in Maiduguri more churches have been targeted than other buildings,’ says Andy Dipper.

 

‘Borno State, where Boko Haram began, already has sharia law. But like the Taliban in Afghanistan it appears Boko Haram will not be satisfied until the harshest form of Islamic law is imposed on the country’s citizens.

 

‘There have been repeated attacks on Christians in Maiduguri as the militants target homes, businesses and churches to try to drive non-Muslims from the area. The government must take effective action to prevent religious cleansing and to safeguard the Christian community.’

 

President Goodluck Jonathan said the attackers are determined to derail peace and security in the nation. Some sources say Boko Haram wants to establish a separatist Islamist state in the north of Nigeria.

 

The sect, whose name means ‘Western education is sinful’, say they will strike again, and the UN is warning people to keep clear of certain prestigious hotels in the capital Abuja.

 

Some observers have linked Boko Haram to Al Qaeda.

 

In a separate incident Release partner Stefanos Foundation reports that three people were killed and 15 injured when unidentified gunmen raided a church in Zonkwa in Kaduna state. Youths from Christian communities retaliated in the riots that followed, according to the BBC.

 

‘Please pray for all those injured, traumatised and bereaved in the latest violence to hit northern Nigeria,’ says Release CEO Andy Dipper. ‘Pray that Christians in affected communities will look to God for His peace, protection and justice – and not be tempted to retaliate, despite extreme provocation. Please also pray for wisdom for government officials, including President Jonathan, in knowing how to deal with this extremist threat.’

 

 

For more information, please contact Release International on 01689 823491.

 

For a country profile of Nigeria, please go to: http://www.releaseinternational.org/pages/country-profiles/nigeria.php