'Boko Haram is an enemy of humanity'
Suicide bombing at mosque in northern Nigeria leaves eight dead.
Image courtesy of www.bbc.com.
Eight worshippers attending early morning prayers at a Mosque in Maiduguri died yesterday (July 17th) after a female suicide bomber detonated explosives inside the sacred building. A further thirteen people were reported to have been injured.
The Guardian newspaper in Nigeria added that there have been many similar bombings in the northern Nigerian town in recent months. It went on to state that many women and young girls are being used as 'human bombs' by Boko Haram.
CatholicCulture.org reports that security at markets and hospitals has been beefed-up which has resulted in more attacks on civilians on the streets.
A spokesman for the Maiduguri diocese remarked that the attack on a Mosque house of worship, by a group that claims Muslim inspirations shows that in fact 'Boko Haram is an enemy of humanity'.
Over 200 school girls were captured by Boko Haram militants in Chibok on April 14th, 2014. It marked one of the most alarming moments so far in the insurgency by the fundamentalist group in northern Nigeria. Since 2009, over 2,000 people have lost their lives with more than two million seeking refuge elsewhere in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Some of those who fled Borno State came to the camp for Internally Displaced People (IPD) in Abuja. The Maria Centre opened at the camp in March 2016 and offers women an opportunity to learn new skills such as crafts and soap making. Sr. Anne Falola, OLA was involved in setting up the Maria Centre. Speaking following a graduation at the centre last year, Sr. Anne remarked on the great enthusiasm of the women at the centre:
“They amazed us. The centre only opened last March and they have learnt the skills very quickly. Many of the women say that they are so delighted to be useful and are eager to learn more”.
Sr. Anne Falola, OLA pictured with some of the women who attend skills training at the Maria Centre during Spring 2016.
Links
