Bomber Targets AG Church in Nigeria

At least one car bomb, if not two, exploded near the Assemblies of God located in Kaduna, Nigeria, on Easter Sunday. Officials are saying that as many as 38 people died in the explosion, with many others injured. The United States and British governments had warned their citizens living in Nigeria that violence was likely in the country over the Easter weekend.

According to reports, a driver attempted to enter the barricaded compound of the church, but when entrance was refused by security, the driver turned back and the bomb exploded by a large group of motorcycle taxis and their riders, killing dozens.

Although the car was said to be several hundred yards away from the church, the bomb still inflicted damage to the building and created panic among the worshippers as windows and doors were shattered by the blast.

“We’re thankful that God gave the security personnel the wisdom to turn that particular car away from the church,” says Mike McClaflin, AG World Missions regional director for Africa, “but this is a grim reminder of how in just a breath, life can be taken from us, no matter how safe we may feel. I pray this act results in an overwhelming response, where churches around the world drop to their knees in prayer inspired by Christ-like compassion and desperation for the lost.”

At this point, no group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, however speculation is that Boko Haram, a radical Islamist sect, was to blame as nearly 400 deaths have already been attributed to the sect in this year alone.