Christians killed in Nigeria; tensions rise

Tensions mount in Nigeria,
following the murder of
Christians on Christmas Eve.

Compass Direct News reported yesterday that tensions continue to mount in the Christian community in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state in northern Nigeria, following the killing of a Baptist pastor and five other Christians on Christmas Eve.

The outlawed Islamic Boko Haram sect opposed to Western education killed Rev. Bulus Marwa and the other Christians in the December 24 attacks on Victory Baptist Church in Alemderi and a Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) congregation in Sinimari.

Those killed at the Baptist church, which was set ablaze, included choir members Philip Luka, 22, and Paul Mathew, 21, as well as Christopher Balami, 50, and Yohana Adamu, age unknown. Philip Sopso, a 60-year-old a security guard, was killed at the COCIN church while 25 other persons were said to have been injured during the serial attacks by the Islamic group.

Many Christians have taken refuge to avoid further attacks as soldiers and police keep watch at churches and other strategic locations in the state.

In 2009, police crushed the activities of the Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is sin,” by arresting many of its members and killing its leader. In retaliation, the group killed police officers and was recently responsible for a prison break to set free its members in the Borno state capital.

Worried about the safety of Christians in Borno state, the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, asked the federal government to curb the growing trend of terrorism in parts of the country.

“We can no longer allow this group of disgruntled elements to get away with these acts of terrorism in Nigeria,” he said.

You can read the full report here.