Day of Terrorism Across Nigeria Kills More Than 60

A day of terrorist violence against both Muslims and Christians in Nigeria killed more than 60 people, including worshipers in a mosque who came to hear a cleric known for preaching peaceful coexistence of all faiths.

Terrorists from Boko Haram were blamed for the suicide bombings Sunday night at a crowded mosque and a posh Muslim restaurant in the central city of Jos; a suicide bombing earlier at an evangelical Christian church in the northeastern city of Potiskum; and attacks in several northeastern villages, where dozens of churches and about 300 homes were torched.

President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attacks on places of worship and said the government will defend Nigerians’ right to worship freely.

It was the latest spasm of violence by Boko Haram terrorists, who have killed about 300 people in the past week – apparently after an order by Islamic State for more mayhem during the month of Ramadan. Earlier this year, Boko Haram became an affiliate of the Islamic State terror group.

This article appeared in print on page 2 of the July 7th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.