Witness: Attack on Christians in Nigeria kills at least 15

KANO, Nigeria - Gunmen killed at least 15 people and wounded many more in an attack on a university theater being used by Christian worshippers in Nigeria's northern city of Kano on Sunday, a witness said.

It was the latest in a spate of attacks on churches and on Christian holidays in the north of the country, which Nigerian authorities and diplomats believe are part of an attempt to stoke a religious conflict.

Security sources said there was sporadic gunfire in other parts of the city which they believe was from attackers who were fleeing from the army at the university. "I counted at least 15 dead bodies. I think they were being taken to the Amino Kano teaching hospital," the witness, who did not wish to be identified, said, adding that he saw many more people being treated for injuries.

A security source said at least 15 people were dead and a source at the hospital told Reuters by phone that he had seen 10-15 dead bodies brought in with gunshot wounds.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.  

Radical Islamist sect Boko Haram, which wants to carve out an Islamic state in northern Nigeria, has killed hundreds in bomb and gun attacks this year. It mainly targets police and authority figures but has also attacked churches.

At least four killed as two bombs hit Nigeria newspaper offices

The army said it had secured the area but could not say how many people had been killed.

"The attack took place in one of the lecture theatres used as a place of worship by Christians. For sure there are casualties but I can't say how many," Ikedichi Iweha, an army spokesman, told Reuters.

"The elements came, used explosives and guns to attack them. We have repelled them and cordoned off the area," Iweha said.

Red Cross officials said they were trying to get access to the area but there were no details on casualties.

Bomb explosions
"For over 30 minutes a series of bomb explosions and gun shots took over the old campus, around the academic blocks," said Mohammed Suleiman, a history lecturer at the Bayero University.

"It started at about 0930 (1:30 a.m. ET) this morning ... our school security men had to run for their dear lives. You can see smoke all over," Suleiman said.

Clashes between Boko Haram gunmen and security forces have flared up several times in Kano since the sect killed 186 people in January, its deadliest attack so far.

On Easter Sunday, 36 people were killed when a suspected member of Boko Haram attempted to force a car packed with explosives into a church compound during a service in the northern town of Kaduna.

Thousands of Nigerians protest fuel prices, as government fears 'anarchy'

After being stopped by security he turned back and the bomb exploded by a large group of motorbike taxi riders.

Boko Haram set off a series of bombs across Nigeria on Christmas Day last year, including one at a church outside the capital Abuja that killed at least 37 people.

Africa's most populous nation of more than 160 million is split roughly equally between a largely Christian south and a mostly Muslim north.

Suicide car bombers targeted the offices of Nigerian newspaper This Day in the capital Abuja and in Kaduna last week, killing at least four people in coordinated strikes.

This Day is based in southern Nigeria and is broadly supportive of President Goodluck Jonathan's government - the main target of Boko Haram's insurgency.

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This is what happens when you try to force your religion on other people, When are people going to friggin learn that they need to keep their beliefs to themselves?

  • 2 votes
Reply#28 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 1:12 PM EDT

While the great commission is to spread the good news of Jesus to the entire world, that does not mean to force it upon them. As some have interpreted the Bible, in the latter days martyr of Christians by Satan's agents will increase.

    #28.1 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 3:10 PM EDT

    some people simply do not even want to hear the endless preaching of whatever religion it is that is being told.

    Religious people have no right to force their religion on other people just as they have no right to spread it around to those who do not care for it, Religious people have no right to influence others, which is just the same as forcing them.

    • 1 vote
    #28.2 - Mon Apr 30, 2012 3:51 PM EDT
    Reply

    @saddlemomma--Thanks for pointing out the facts of history. You said it better than I've heard it stated before. I think if you bother the atheists with the truth too much, they might have to take a critical look at their own notions of the world. Why would someone tie themselves to a belief that this world and this life originated by "spontaneous combustion" and random chance and trust that it is hurtling aimlessly toward a big, black void? I, for one, am glad the US Constitution guarantees "freedom OF religion" and not the "freedom from religion" as the atheists would like to see it.

      Reply#29 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 2:01 PM EDT

      No concern displayed regarding this outrage from our politicians or the White House, but they will harp on an American's mishandling of a koran. Whose side are they on? Their behavior should not create that question.

      • 1 vote
      Reply#30 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 2:32 PM EDT

      This can't be right> islam is the religion of peace. The headline must have gotten things messed up and should have read, " Christians kill 15 muslims".

        Reply#31 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 2:40 PM EDT

        Well, this is Nigeria, after all, and it is basically a corrupt and ungovernable cesspool with borders and a name, and happens to also have some oil on hand. Other than that, not much else about it is of any use to anyone but Nigerians. This issue is for the Nigerians to resolve, and nobody else, as this kind of malarkey happens all over the African continent every day, but not all of it gets reported. Frankly, it's tiresome to even read about it anymore. It's like reading about the various suicide bombings in Iraq, Afghanistan, etc., and after the fiftieth or hundredth reiteration of them, it really has lost that power to shock, and has no value as news.

        • 1 vote
        Reply#32 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 2:41 PM EDT

        Yeah let's make excuses for the muslims , ok .Same thing in the sudan , oh it's just Christians getting butchered , no biggie .

          #32.1 - Mon Apr 30, 2012 3:20 AM EDT
          Reply

          More of that fabulous "peace and love" from the paramilitary Satanic cult of death, destruction, and hate called "Islam" . . .

          Burn a Qur'an and barbecue Bull's-Eye® Memphis Style pork ribs for Elvis and Jesus!™

          • 2 votes
          Reply#33 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 3:40 PM EDT

          Imagine that

          The Moslems helping the christians to their glory

          walking streets of gold wit jc and livin in mansions

          and they do not suffer this life no more

          • 1 vote
          Reply#34 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 5:13 PM EDT

          I guess those Christians are out of luck...it would be out of step for this administration to come to their aid.

          • 1 vote
          Reply#35 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 5:27 PM EDT

          So where are the "peaceful Muslims" we keep hearing about? Their silence is deafening. Perhaps this verse has something to do with it. Surah 9:44 "Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day ask you for no exemption from fighting with their goods and persons. And Allah knows well those who do their duty." So, if you won't fight, you're an insufficient Muslim apparently.

          • 3 votes
          Reply#36 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 7:20 PM EDT

          ur interpretation of a Moslem Koran

          Is probably equal to a christians interpretation of the Hebrew Old Testament.

          • 1 vote
          #36.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 9:00 PM EDT
          Reply

          The Muslims from the northern region routinely massacre Christian Africans on a routine basis. It usually does not get reported in US news. Actually, Christians all over the world are murdered my Islamic extremists a lot more frequently than most realize. US citizens tend to get very comfortable over here with that, "It only happens over there" mentality, but that is not the case. Christians all over the world should be concerned.

          • 2 votes
          Reply#37 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 7:37 PM EDT

          THIS MUST BE A LIE ! ! !

          Can anyone in their right mind believe that Muslims are capable of Murder....?....?

          THEY ARE FROM THAT RELIGION OF PEACE....!....!..... aren't they?

          • 3 votes
          Reply#38 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 7:47 PM EDT

          In that part of the world canibals stil thrive. i think if they don't cook the dead bodies and have a picknick....that would be a waste. these creatures need population control.it's natural. So,sell them bulets and knives($$) and watch from a distance.

          • 2 votes
          Reply#39 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 8:09 PM EDT

          To Serf for you: Here is a wonderful idea for population control in Africa: Sprinkle some hot sauce and grated garlic on yourself and go over there for a visit. The natives will eat you and drop dead from toxic poisoning. Wa da ya think?

            #39.1 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 9:27 PM EDT
            Reply

            UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and UN human rights boss Navi Pillay issue almost daily condemnatory statements about the deaths in Syria of Sunni rebels.Outrageously,the pair don't bother at all about the massacre of Christians in Nigeria and elsewhere.Even Hillary Clinton looks the other way.

            • 1 vote
            Reply#40 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 8:26 PM EDT

            Vismaya this been going on for years, in Iraq,Egypt,Libya,Syria and the US and NATO turn the other way, I guess the Saudis want the US and NATO to help them get rid of the Christians in that part of the world , and why not , money is everything these days , hell even in Israel , our dearest ally , they kicking the Christians out Jerusalem , so here you go , We helping Al Qaeda in Syria against the only government in ME that allow them to practice their religion freely and trying to install a Wahhabi Muslim Government , way to go US , WHAT ARE WE BECOMING.

              #40.1 - Tue May 1, 2012 10:58 AM EDT

              my turn, the Israelis are certainly not kicking the Christians out of Jerusalem, where you can hear so many church bells and join the throngs who visit sites like the Holy Sepulcher.

                #40.2 - Thu May 3, 2012 7:10 AM EDT

                Cassandra-85-- Try to find out about the report the CBS or ABC that were running and the ambassador of Israel to the US try to block , and that's what they were discussing , Israel trying to make the Christians and the MUSLIMS LEAVE , I DO NOT JUST MAKE UP THINGS.

                  #40.3 - Thu May 3, 2012 11:22 AM EDT
                  Reply

                  So these Muslims just throw a sucker punch while defenseless families are worshipping. Real peaceful, even more peaceful than the muslims that cut the British doctors head off. Don't burn anymore Korans and don't for heavens sake pee on dead terrorists and the Muslims can go back to being peaceful people. Heck just give them what they want; world domination and sharia law. All you gals go get a burka and you men grow a beard and the world will be at peace.

                  • 2 votes
                  Reply#41 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 9:38 PM EDT

                  It's just more of Obama's people doing what they do best...

                    Reply#42 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 10:42 PM EDT

                    Unless the West united, overcome this PC nonsense, and stop the Islamist invasion of the West; what's happening in Nigeria, Egypt, and many other countries with large presence of Muslims, will happen in USA, UK and many other Western countries.

                    When these atrocities come to your community, all the "I told You So's" would not amount to a hill of beans, in this Hell of a World.

                      Reply#43 - Sun Apr 29, 2012 11:13 PM EDT

                      There will never be peace on earth until God and Allah go the same way as Apollo and Zeus - nothing more than interesting beliefs of bronze age religions from a time when a wooden wheeled donkey cart was high technology and disease was thought to be caused by sin!

                        Reply#44 - Mon Apr 30, 2012 12:08 AM EDT
                        Prospero Tempestovia FacebookDeleted

                        Stories like this cause me to offer a direct challenge to terrorists

                        To Terrorists Everywhere,

                        What God tells its followers to kill. None! The followers hear from the voice of man calling for death. Some man stating this is from our God. If such a God really wanted suicide bombers and their own people killed their voice would be heard by all. How many of you have heard this Gods words yourself? Death is not the want of a God, rather sought by man. A God of death would not need you to kill yourself and others, rather they would do it themselves. I offer you this as proof of no such Gods existence on earth, say your prayer to have your God kill me. Not at the hand of a follower. A God is powerful we all agree ( except some who believe in nothing of value) and would not need some man or women or child to carry out their desire. Show the world the true power of this God of death by having me removed from life. No other, just little old me, a citizen of this world.

                        Don’t worry about where I am, a God of death should be able to find me without any help from you or anyone. Ask yourself before strapping on the next bomb, why it is you and not the one ordering ending their life. If this was TRUTH in action than they should be more than happy to go to their reward. Remember Bin Laden spent years in luxury while you live how? He ate drank and watched PORN, as your son or daughter died for his words from this God of death. How many of your leaders are in the front lines doing battle as many die and worse? A God does not need help. I will await judgment praying for you and your countrymen. So pray for my death and if it NEVER happens, join me in prayer for our world. One planet, one race, one life each.

                          Reply#46 - Mon Apr 30, 2012 1:36 AM EDT

                          an obscure pastor threaten to burn the koran and the whole world got into a tizzy. our military mistakenly burn the koran and the mooslims went on a kil-ing spree. it seems that the mooslims are winning the argument---

                            Reply#47 - Mon Apr 30, 2012 3:59 AM EDT

                            MSNBC..........Why do we have to wait until paragaph six before you report that perpertrators were muslims? Why dont you report that in your headline?"Muslims slaughter Christians". Getting really sick and tired of your spin. Report the news not your slant.

                              Reply#48 - Mon Apr 30, 2012 4:34 AM EDT

                              Dam Africa you scary

                                Reply#49 - Mon Apr 30, 2012 12:34 PM EDT

                                MS NBC , CNN , FOX all of these network news , they have forgot what they are there for , they are bias and put the news that which ever country pays them the money , they have distorted the truth in Syria and Anderson Cooper should be fired for all the lies and fabricated videos he runs on his show , But they do that because people in the US have no idea whats going on , so they show kids suffering women crying and the public in the US go crazy and they want to attack and kill the leader of a country that the only thing he is doing is protecting his people from Al Qaeda thugs and the evil rich gulf states.

                                  Reply#50 - Tue May 1, 2012 11:05 AM EDT

                                  As much as I disagree with most of Fox News, their token liberal Bob Beckel led a spirited attack on the Muslim slaughter of his fellow Christians. As far as I know, he and his group are the only commentators to do so.

                                    #50.1 - Thu May 3, 2012 7:12 AM EDT
                                    Reply

                                    Samuel Huntington's Clash of Civilizations states the major reason for the Resurgence of Fundament Islam is their disgust with liberal democracy. Huntington states that western civilisation is on the decline and most likely will not survive the next two hundred years. The main reason is the breakup of the family unit and the new morality that the rest of the world finds offensive. So all you libtards activities really do fall in line with communist revolutionary Antonio Gramscis plans on how to destroy America. He called for destroying the family unit and to destroy the culture. So all that moral relativism you are so proud of is destroying the country that gave you a free license to practice your delusional philosophies. According to Adam Weishaupt, the founder of the Illuminati, you are just suckers for believing the lies they were selling and laughed at the new liberals for aiding his followers in destroying their country and helping to bring about a future totalitarian state.

                                      Reply#51 - Fri May 4, 2012 4:55 AM EDT

                                      Nothing new here. Christians have been under attack for some time. If it ain't the mooslums attacking Christians it's the libtards.

                                        Reply#52 - Fri May 4, 2012 11:57 PM EDT
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