Nigeria: car bomb attack on church kills at least eight

Archbishop Man-oso Ndagoso

At least eight people were killed and dozens injured in a suicide bombing during Mass at a Catholic church in Kaduna, northern Nigeria yesterday. A vehicle smashed through a wall into the church and exploded, ripping a hole in the roof and destroying nearby homes.

The attack took place at St Rita's church in the Malali neighbourhood of the city. Members of the choir are among those who died.

The Archbishop of Kaduna, Mgr Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso said the attack was: " A cowardly, barbarous and horrible act, that any ordinary person can only condemn. It is unthinkable that anyone is able to commit such actions, but unfortunately it happens,"

President Goodluck Jonathan promised to "redouble" his government's efforts to tackle terrorism and violence. He called the attack part of an "unfortunate and unacceptable trend that threatens the peace and stability of our nation".

The action has not been claimed, but it has all the hallmarks of the Boko Haram Islamist group which have attacked many churches.

Media sources report a number of reprisal attacks by Christians on property. "I have no direct knowledge of retaliation actions - said Mgr Ndagoso - but as soon as the news about episodes of revenge on behalf of Christians spread, I immediately launched an appeal via radio to calm and peace. Unfortunately one cannot control everyone."

"The situation is now calm, the police and the army control the streets. Even in the area of the attack the population is dedicated to their normal activities, " said the Archbishop, who concludes: "the President of the Assembly, who is a Muslim, condemned the attack, today we will see if other Muslim leaders will join in condemning this brutal act."

Source: ICN/Fides