WORLD
8 Dead In Nigeria Church Shooting
Baku, January 11 (AZERTAC). An Islamic militant group in northern Nigeria has claimed responsibility for attacks that killed at least 25 people in a rash of violence against the country`s minority Christians, officials said, after it issued an earlier ultimatum that gave Christians three days to leave the area.
Gunmen opened fire on residents Friday, killing at least 15 people who were mourning the deaths of two slain businessmen, said Rev. Paul Alhamdu, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
At least eight people were also killed on Thursday in a church shooting in northeastern Nigeria, a pastor at the church said, as sectarian violence spirals and the country is shaken by angry protests over fuel subsidies.
Gunmen attacked the Deeper Life church in Gombe, the capital of Gombe state, Thursday evening as worshipers held a prayer meeting, according to the Venerable Joseph Ninyo, a pastor with the Anglican Diocese of Gombe.
He said at least 20 people were being treated at a hospital, one of whom is in intensive care.
“Many tried to run but were gunned down,” eyewitness Konson Danladi said. “I was just outside the church when the men came and started shooting, and I ran. “