Explosion hits Catholic church in north Nigeria, region under attack by radical Islamist sect

BAUCHI, Nigeria – Witnesses say an explosion has struck near a Catholic church in north Nigeria, a region under attack by a radical Islamist sect.

An Associated Press journalist heard the explosion after 9 a.m. Sunday in the city of Bauchi. The AP journalist said the blast occurred at St. John’s Catholic Church in the city.

Emergency responders declined to immediately say whether there were casualties, though the explosion occurred during an early morning Mass.

A radical Islamist sect known as Boko Haram has attacked churches throughout Nigeria’s north with gunmen and suicide car bombers. The sect is blamed for more than 680 killings this year alone in Nigeria, according to an AP count.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.