AFRICA/NIGERIA-Islamic schools also targeted by Boko Haram

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - The Islamist sect Boko Haram target not only churches and schools, but also Islamic schools, as what happened on September 25 in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State (north-east Nigeria), where a group of thirty young people (supposedly affiliated with the sect) attacked and burned Mohammed Goni College of Legal and Islamic Studies. The assailants, after having immobilized the guards of the college, sprinkled the premises with flammable liquid and set it on fire. Young people between 12 and 16 years of age, stopped to watch the fire for an hour and a half before leaving. Boko Haram, which means "Western education is forbidden", seems to extend their targets, hitting even those who have a different view of Islam.
The last action against a Christian place of worship dates back to last Sunday, September 23, when a suicide bomber blew himself up in his car outside the Catholic Cathedral of Bauchi (see Fides 24/09/2012). The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the body which comprises the various Nigerian Christian churches including the Catholic Church, condemned this latest attack. "We are appalled by the attack on the Catholic Cathedral of St. John in Bauchi, in which four people died when a car full of explosives exploded on the faithful lined up waiting to pass security checks before entering the church" is what is read in a statement. The CAN reiterates its commitment to work together with Muslims to restore peace in the country, but also invites Muslim leaders in northern Nigeria to denounce those who, among the faithful, is dedicated to violence. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 27/09/2012)