Assist News Service (ANS), Compass News Direct (CDN)

'Severe Injuries sustained after Suicide Bomb Attack in Bauchi, Nigeria
Islamic extremist bombing, alleged military shooting, kill 21

By Michael Ireland
Senior International Correspondent, ASSIST News Service


BAUCHI, NIGERIA (ANS) -- Amid allegations that soldiers were responsible for at least eight of 21 deaths after the suicide bombing of two churches here on Sunday (June 3), sources told Compass Direct News (CDN) that most of those injured from the blast and alleged military shooting were in critical condition.

Compass reports that a statement reportedly from the Muslim extremist Boko Haram sect claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing of the Living Faith church in Yelwa, a Christian settlement on the outskirts of the northern Nigerian city of Bauchi. Compass said the blast also collapsed a wall of the nearby Harvest Field Church of Christ, leaving three people in critical condition. Compass added that a staff member told the agency on condition of anonymity, that of 61 people taken to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi after the blast, 38 were in critical condition; the other 23 have been treated and sent home. Church leaders said at a press conference on Monday (June 4) that 45 Christians were considered injured, the agency reported.

“Twenty-five out of these were injured by the bomb blast, while 20 sustained various degrees of injuries from the gunshots by soldiers,” said the Rev. Lawi Pokti, chairman of the Bauchi chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, who said the military shot eight Christians to death. Compass reported that the Nigerian military has yet to respond to the allegations.

In similar church attacks in Nigeria, Compass stated that Christians angry that their brethren were killed in the presence of security agencies have been shot for refusing military orders to leave.

Johnson Elogva, associate pastor at Living Faith, said most of the injuries were severe. “Most of our members are critically ill in the hospitals,” he said. “Some with first degree, second degree burns.” '

Please continue to pray for the healing and comforting of those injured, the bereaved, the other survivors, and all others effected. Please pray that those responsible would be brought to justice, turn to God, repent of their deeds and come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Please pray for the strengthening and protection of our Nigerian brothers and sisters in this time of very great uncertainty and confusion in their nation.

Thanks,

Further information: http://www.compassdirect.org/english...e_1594492.html
[CONTAINS EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS FROM THE PASTORS OF THE TWO CHURCHES HIT]