Suicide bombers have attacked two churches in Zaria, and another in Kaduna. In Zaria, ECWA, Wusasa and Christ the King Church, Sabon Gari were bombed.
So far, 15 persons have been confirmed dead in the CKC attack, with several others injured. At ECWA church, Wusasa, tthe Sunday School teacher and ten children were killed while the Shalom Pentecostal attack left five persons dead.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the Zaria bombings were coordinated as they happened almost at the same time in both locations.
Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that the suicide bombers arrived at the churches in bomb-rigged cars, pretending to be worshippers.
The ECWA suicide bomber drove in a Honda Accord popularly referred to as ‘End of discussion’. When he tried to gain entrance into the church premises, he was stopped by the security agent at the routine check point. But he refused to stop. He then forced his vehicle towards the Church; the vehicle exploded between the main church and the children section of the church.
Barely an hour after the Zaria blasts, another suicide bomber attacked Shalom Church in Tirkaniya, Kaduna metropolis.
Although details of the attack are sketchy, LEADERSHIP gathered that the soldier and security man stationed at the entrance of the church denied the bomber entrance. The bomb went off and all three were killed. ?
The third bombing sparked fury among Kaduna youths who took to the streets in protest.
As at the time of filing this report, three persons have been confirmed dead from the reprisal attack. Our correspondent reports that a bus and several smaller cars as well as seven motorcycles have been burnt.
Soldiers are still shooting sporadically to disperse the rampaging youths.
More details shortly…