Terrorist Group Kills 100 in Nigeria: Christians killed, Churches Burned
Attacks by Islamic extremists in northeast Nigeria left over 100 dead this weekend and at least six churches destroyed.
Terrorist Muslim Organization Boko Haram committed the attacks Friday night into Saturday. Most of the attacks were suicide bombings, but the group also bombed a government building and shot 63 people.
At least two Christians were killed amidst the violence by Boko Haram, who earlier this year killed 100 Christians in an attack.
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Gunmen stormed a church in the town of Tabak, in northeastern Nigeria, killing two and injuring 11. Christians in the region are concerned about future violence and damage, and many are upset at the lack of law enforcement to protect them from Boko Haram’s attacks.
Boko Haram roughly translates to “Western education is sacrilege.” The group’s aim is to spread radical Islamic fundamentalism throughout Nigeria.
Increased pressure is mounting on Nigerian President Goodluck Johnathan to root out the sect from Nigeria’s northeast. Johnathan, a Christian, was noncommittal in a televised appearance in which he wore traditional Muslim garb following the attacks.
"We're all expected to live in peace, but as a nation, we have our own challenges," said Johnathan. "During this holy period, we still have incidents happening here and there.”
The attacks come on the immediate heels of Boko Haram Leader Abubakar Shekau urging members to increase violence. The group had already killed more than 240 people this year.
“Chaos” and “carnage” were reported of the scene in northeast Nigeria, according to Al Jazeera. The remoteness of the region makes it easy for terrorists to enforce who gets in and out, particularly media and government officials.
Besides attacking Christians and government officials, Boko Haram targeted Muslims who publicly denigrate the terrorist organization. They are violently seeking the implementation of Sharia, or Islamic, law.
Experts on the region say the majority of Muslims disagree with Boko Haram’s ideology and methods. Nevertheless, in the Northeast states of Yobe and Borno, where unemployment is at the country’s highest, Boko Haram has very little trouble recruiting youth for its activities.
“We will continue attacking federal government formations until security forces stop persecuting our members and vulnerable citizens,” said Abu Qaqa, a representative for the terrorist group.
Nigeria is split almost equally between Christians and Muslims. The government lacks influence in the country’s middle and northern regions-where Christians are most persecuted by Islamic extremists.
On Monday, the United States Embassy urged all Americans to be cautious of luxury hotels in the country’s capital, Abuja, after reports surfaced that Boko Haram would target certain buildings.
