Nigeria: Christians flee violence of 'Boko Haram'

The Nigerian Christians from indigenous tribes in the state of Yobe are terrified and are preparing to abandon their ancestral territories, because of threats and violence from Islamic militia group 'Boko Haram'. Fides reports.

Sources in Nigeria say: "the population of the North is in a panic and insecurity after the expiry of the ultimatum launched by the militia, which ordered Christians to leave the country".

The attacks of Boko Haram in northern Nigeria are continuing, even after President Jonathan decreed a state of emergency in four states and temporarily closed the nation's borders with Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

According to Fides sources: "Boko Haram is changing tactics to circumvent the state of emergency. They are monitoring areas where Christians gather, they point out the houses and Christian chapels and then they attack, house to house during the night".

Christian Solidarity Worldwide, which has staff in Damaturu, capital of Yobe State, report that gunmen attacked a Christian complex in Gashu'a Road, killing two people and wounding others yesterday. The militia also continues to organize bomb attacks in the states of Borno and Jigawa and Gombe.

According to local Christians, "the danger is that there will be retaliation, which can trigger further violence and bloodshed".

Fr Timothy Lehane Barrett, Secretary General of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, who was recently in Nigeria, told Fides: "Boko Haram does not represent Nigerian Muslims: I have seen many manifestations of interreligious dialogue and solidarity, because Muslims see the good works carried out by Christians. Our message to the Nigerian Christians is that they are not alone, that many communities around the world are praying for them and their neighbours. I know that the faithful in Nigeria offer their sufferings to God and pray for persecuted Christians around the world and even for their enemies, that is for those who attack and kill them".

Source: Fides