Nigeria: Catholic Cathedral in Bauchi bombed

At least two people died and over 40 were injured yesterday in a suicide bomb attack on St. John’s Catholic Cathedral, Murtala Mohammed Way, in the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi Town.

The suicide bomber is reported to have detonated his explosives at the church gate after being refused entry into the grounds at around 9 am. The bomber, a woman and a child are confirmed to have died at the scene, while many others are hospitalised with life threatening injuries.

This is the second attack on Christians in Bauchi Town within the space of a week. Last Sunday, four gunmen in a tricycle descended on the Zongo area, firing indiscriminately at a building where people generally gather in the evening to relax and play cards. At least five people were killed on the spot, while four died later in hospital.

Local sources describe a growing sense of panic in Bauchi Town, with several claiming the state’s government is not doing enough to safeguard the lives and property of Bauchi’s Christian community.

In a comment to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), the Anglican Bishop of Bauchi, the Rt Revd Musa Tula, said: “Unfortunately, this is an ongoing situation in Bauchi State. Christians are attacked on a weekly basis. We need prayers because real protection can only come from God. We urgently need prayers from our brethren around the world for the peace of Bauchi State.”

CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the attacks that have occurred in the last week in Bauchi Town. We also pray for a speedy recovery for those injured in these appalling acts of violence. However, it is regrettable that Christian communities in Bauchi remain extremely vulnerable and are in urgent need of effective protection. We urge the state government to implement comprehensive, long-term security arrangements to guarantee the safety of innocent civilians and halt these attacks, which are now occurring with alarming regularity.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663 or email kiri@csw.org.uk.