At least seven people have been killed and dozens injured in a suicide bombing during Mass at a Catholic church in northern Nigeria, officials say.
An explosive-laden vehicle drove into the church and detonated its load, ripping a hole in the wall and roof. St Rita's Church is in the Archdiocese of Kaduna.
The archbishop of Kaduna Diocese, Matthew Man-Ndagoso, visited the injured at St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, "I feel more pained in my heart over this unfortunate incident as 90 percent of the victims are children. We pray for their quick recovery and fortitude to bear the loss of those who died in the process. My appeal is to the Christians, especially the Catholic youths, not to consider reprisal as an option as this will rather create more tension and add to the already bad situation." (Full report from UPI )
The attack happened in Kaduna, which has been targeted by Islamist militant group Boko Haram in the recent past.
This report has a particular impact here in Brisbane as we host a number of young Nigerian men studying for Catholic priesthood. While there is still debate about the cultural tensions that have emerged as Australian Diocese welcome seminarians and clergy from overseas, this incident should unite all people of good will in a commitment to nonviolence and cross cultural sharing.
CathNews Reports on Church in Nigeria
CathNews Reports on Church in Nigeria
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