A bomb explosion at the All Christian-Fellowship Mission in Suleja, Niger State has killed three people.
The attack happened just after 3pm on Sunday as several church members were participating in a committee meeting after the church service. Two women and a man were killed, while several others were injured.
Suleja is situated close to the Nigerian capital, Abujua. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack although religious tensions have been high in the areas lately with the Islamic militant group Boko Haram warning all Nigerians to avoid Christian, security agents, and government institutions, or else face trouble.
Several other churches in the areas were forced to close on Sunday following violence on Saturday with multiple explosions around the city. The violence included an alleged attack by Boko Haram on an army patrol. The Joint Military Task Force, who are tasked with maintaining security in the city, apparently went on a rampage following this particular attack. Their actions have concerned many, just as much as the terrorist attacks have.
Churches, and other institutions in the city, are now on high alert against possible further attacks.
Stuart Windsor, Special Ambassador for Christian Solidarity Worldwide, said that:
“If the alleged Boko Haram statement is accurate and their target is now shifting increasingly towards the church, Christians are in greater danger than ever, as their places of worship provide soft targets.
"It is vital that state and federal authorities ensure that adequate protection is afforded to these establishments, and that security is deployed during church services.
"However, reports of possible irregular actions and extra-judicial executions by some members of the Joint Military Task Force are deeply worrying and must be investigated as a matter of urgency.
"It is crucial that security arrangements for the country as a whole and for Maiduguri in particular are conducted with sensitivity, in order not to alienate and further victimise innocent members of the public, who are already traumatised by the actions of this violent group.”