Christian churches under attack in Nigeria

Nigeria, Africa Region

Nearly 100 people are dead in the wake of three Nigerian Christian church bombings this week, The Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

A radical sect called Boko Haram took responsibility for the attacks in the cities of Zaria and Kaduna. The U.S. named Boko Haram leaders as "foreign terrorists" on Thursday. Since the bombings, a curfew has been put in place.

The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Nigeria in 1977. Last year the country reported 60 Churches of the Nazarene, 46 of which were officially organized.

There are more than 7,500 Nazarenes in the country, which is part of the denomination's Africa West Field.

"At this stage, none of our churches or leaders are in danger of direct violence against Christians," said Mark Louw, Africa West Field strategy coordinator. "While the perception is that the violence is attributed to conflict between the northern Muslims and southern Christians in the middle belt of the nation, the reasons are much broader than that. Our churches are at present located in the south. Your prayers and concern are much appreciated."

 

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