Attacks in Nigeria resulted in multiple deaths following a suspected suicide attack in the north-east region of the country. Father Joseph Fidelis, from the Diocese of Maiduguri, told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that orchestrated bombings killed 28 people and injured at least 108. The priest warned that militants from ISWAP are «sneaking» into villages using a guerrilla approach to bypass security checks.
The devastating toll of attacks in Nigeria
The first explosion occurred at the entrance of a teaching hospital at 7:30 p.m. local time, as crowds were out to break the Ramadan fast. Two subsequent blasts followed shortly after at the popular Monday Market and a nearby business hub. Bishop John Bakeni confirmed that at least three Christians were among the deceased. Fr. Fidelis explained the difficulty of controlling these movements:
“They take a guerilla approach to their infiltration. They behave like normal people, getting into cars in normal dress. They used improvised devices they probably prepared in the town… The terrorists sneak in. Police make the effort but they sneak in through the cracks”.
Displaced persons and the Church’s response
The recent violence in villages like Ngoshe and Pulka has pushed around 3,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) into Maiduguri, creating a climate of fear where residents are afraid to leave their homes. This influx makes security checks even more difficult, as the situation becomes increasingly chaotic.
When tragedy strikes, the faithful often seek refuge within church walls. The Diocese is working to provide essential care for the victims:
“We are trying to provide food, shelter, makeshift toilets and tents. We ask for your prayers and solidarity. ACN is always the first to help us. They help us with widows, orphans and catechists. We are always grateful”
