Islamists Have Killed 150 in Nigeria Since Friday

The poor youth of the region are "easy targets for the Islamists", warns bishop. They would have, "everyone in the state forcibly converted to Islam."

Maiduguri (kath.net / KIN) The Islamist sect "Boko Haram" ("Western education is sin"), which has killed at least  150 people since Friday in attacks in northern Nigeria, likely receives support from elected politicians. The Bishop of Maiduguri, Oliver Doem Dashe said to worldwide Catholic charity "ACN", Northern Nigerian politicians would use the Islamists as a tool to destabilize the region and hamper their political opponents.

Specifically, the bishop criticized the government of the northern Nigerian state of Borno, because in the capital, Maiduguri, it has "let down the people" because it did not guarantee security from arson. "There are powerful politicians who allow the Islamists to buy local produce and weapons," said Bishop Doem.

Religion is a touchy topic in his diocese, so it falls easily to the politicians to sow hatred and distrust among the people. The youth of the region are poor, poorly educated and unemployed. "They are an easy target for the Islamists," warned the bishop.


"It's part of the plan of 'Boko Haram' to drive the Christians out of Borno," said Bishop Doem. Sharia is already in Borno as the basis of legislation.

This was  not sufficient for the Muslims, however. They would have, " forcibly converted all  the people of the state to Islam."  Bishop Doem reported that the Islamists had already infiltrated parts of the police and other security forces. He requested the government  earnestly  to protect all citizens in this dire situation.

In a series of attacks by "Boko Haram" last weekend, at least 150 people were killed. The bombings and armed attacks were directed primarily against facilities of the military, the police and against churches in the cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu.

By a bomb, according to testimony by Bishop Doem one of the largest churches in his diocese had been completely destroyed.  The burned church of "Our Lady" in Damaturu, which was leveled to its foundations, had offered space for over 1000 worshipers. "Last Sunday Mass had to be celebrated in the parish rectory," lamented Bishop Doem. "The government must finally make sure that we can live our faith freely."

About half the population of Nigeria is committed to the Christian faith. While in the south of the country there live predominantly Christians, Muslims form a clear majority in the north. Twelve states in northern Nigeria have adopted Sharia as a source of legislation.

The worldwide Catholic charity "ACN" supports the Church in Nigeria in their distress and asks for donations for the pastoral formation of local work.

 


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