Nigeria: Priest warns of 'guerrilla warfare' as dozens killed by suicide bombers

Military support driving towards Maiduguri in 2024 © ACN

Source: Aid to the Church in Need

A priest has warned that terrorists are "sneaking" into villages after a suspected suicide attack in north-east Nigeria resulted in multiple deaths.

Father Joseph Fidelis, from Maiduguri Diocese, told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that attacks by extremists had been happening in nearby villages for two weeks before Monday's (16th March) devastating attack, which saw 28 killed.

Fr Fidelis said: "On Sunday night they attempted to infiltrate the town, but the military sighted them and there was heavy gunfire and they were repelled. But by the 16th a few of their advanced party were already in town planning the attack in the three places."

The first explosion was at the entrance of the teaching hospital, while the second and third followed few minutes later at the popular Monday Market and nearby Post Office business hub, both located about 2.5 miles (four kilometres) from the hospital.

In addition to the 25 deaths, at least 108 were injured by the orchestrated bombings that occurred at 7.30pm local time when crowds were out having finished Ramadan fasts.

According to Bishop John Bakeni it was confirmed that three Christians were killed in the blasts and at least six are in hospital.

Fr Fidelis said those responsible for the bombings were members of ISWAP (Islamic State: West Africa Province), a cross-border jihadist group with roots in the state.

He said: "They take a guerilla approach to their infiltration. They behave like normal people, getting into cars in normal dress. They used improvised devices they probably prepared in the town…

"In one way we give credit to the police as things would have been a bit lax as people were returning home as it was time to break the Ramadan fast. The terrorists sneak in. Police make the effort but they sneak in through the cracks."

Borno police confirmed that the preliminary investigation revealed that the incidents were carried out by "suspected suicide bombers."

They added that an investigation was under way to establish the identity of the attackers and that "normalcy" had returned to the village.

Fr Fidelis said: "Normalcy hasn't returned. The post office is usually like a central bus station but people are avoiding it - they have to go through back alleys and they are afraid to go out.

"People are scared for their lives. Even without the government imposing curfew, they are not going out."

He said attacks in villages including Ngoshe and Pulka had pushed around 3,000 internally displaced people (IDP) into Maiduguri.

The priest added: "This makes it more difficult for security to make checks as they have to stop and search everybody. It's like guerilla warfare and difficult to control."

The rise in IDPs has bought added complications.

He added: "As more and more people are running for their lives and displaced, it's becoming more chaotic.

"Most of the time when such things are happening people run to the churches.

"We are trying to provide food, shelter, makeshift toilets and tents. We ask for your prayers and solidarity.

"ACN is always the first to help us. They help us with widows, orphans and catechists. We are always grateful. We appreciate what you do so much."

Dr Caroline Hull, ACN UK National Director, said: "I was very distressed to receive this information from Father Fidelis whom I met on my visit to the Diocese of Maiduguri in 2024.

"I also visited Pulka and spoke to many Christian IDPs forced to live in camps because it was unsafe to return to their homes. How disheartening is to learn that the situation has worsened.

"I am asking for prayers to lift the hearts and hopes of all those who are suffering due to the violence in Borno State."

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Aid to the Church in Need: https://acnuk.org