Attack on Christian mission kills three in Nigeria

A bomb explosion at a Christian mission in Niger State has killed a man and two women.

The attack on the All Christian-Fellowship Mission in Suleja happened just after 3pm on Sunday as several church members were taking part in a committee meeting after the church service, reports Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

The two victims killed on the spot included Justina Odogbo, the wife of the committee chair. Another four church members were rushed to hospital, where one later died as a result of their injuries.

Suleja is situated close to the Nigerian capital, Abujua. CSW said it may have been targeted as security in the capital has been tightened in recent months and a curfew is in place there, making attacks harder.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack on the mission but it follows reports that Islamic militant group Boko Haram issued a warning to Nigerians to avoid Christian, security agents, and government institutions, or else face death.

The attack coincides with a surge in violence in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri over the weekend.

Churches were forced to remain closed on Sunday following a day of violence on Saturday which included multiple explosions in parts of the city.

There were reports that members of the Joint Military Task Force, tasked with maintaining security in the state, went "on a rampage" following a bomb and gun attack on an army patrol by Boko Haram.

The army reportedly went from house to house, rounding up suspected members of Boko Haram.

Churches in the city remain on high alert against a possible attack by the group.

Stuart Windsor, Special Ambassador for Christian Solidarity Worldwide, called for the protection of churches and a full investigation into reports of violence by the Joint Military Task Force.

He said, “If the alleged Boko Haram statement is accurate and their target is now shifting increasingly towards the church, Christians are in greater danger than ever, as their places of worship provide soft targets.

"It is vital that state and federal authorities ensure that adequate protection is afforded to these establishments, and that security is deployed during church services.

"However, reports of possible irregular actions and extra-judicial executions by some members of the Joint Military Task Force are deeply worrying and must be investigated as a matter of urgency.

"It is crucial that security arrangements for the country as a whole and for Maiduguri in particular are conducted with sensitivity, in order not to alienate and further victimise innocent members of the public, who are already traumatised by the actions of this violent group.”