Nigeria bombings: Islamic sect accepts blame

  1. Posted on Wednesday 29 December 2010 - 09:00
    Samuel
    Image of Samuel
    Samuel Okocha, AfricaNews reporter in Lagos, Nigeria
    A radical Islamist group reportedly admitted being behind the Christmas eve bombings around the North Central Nigerian city of Jos and attacks on churches in the northeast of the West African country that left over 80 people dead.
    nigeria map
    "O Nations of the World, be informed that verily the attacks in Suldaniyya (Jos) and Borno on the eve of Christmas was carried out by us Jama'atu Ahlus-Sunnah Lidda'Awatu Wal Jihad, under the leadership of Abu Muhammad, Abubakar bin Muhammad Shekau," Reuters quoted the group as saying in a statement on its website.

    The radical Islamic group Boko Haram is said to have previously used the name Jama'atu Ahlus-Sunnah Lidda'Awatu Wal Jihad.

    Boko Haram wants Islamic sharia law more widely applied across the West African populous country. The group started an uprising in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria last year which led to clashes with security forces. Around 800 people were reportedly killed as a result.

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