Nigeria was rocked again by another terrorist attacks that killed dozens of civilians and wounded hundreds of worshipers.
According to media reports, nearly 100 civilians were killed in a gun and bomb attacks during prayers at one of the prominent mosques in the northern Nigerian city of Kano.
Three bomb explosions were cited in and around the mosque. The militants also opened gunfire on worshipers.
Numbers of wounded reached to almost 400 people. The unidentified gunmen opened fire without mercy as worshipers attempted to escape.
The Central Mosque is known to be attended by hundreds of worshipers where influential Muslim leader usually leads prayers.
Boko Haram again as culprit of the attack
Many speculated that Boko Haram militants were responsible of the brutal attack. The extremist group is notorious for waging terror and insurgency in the African country since 2009.
Boko Haram has launched attacks targeting civilians since last year. The group also made headlines around the globe when the militants kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok in Borno state this year.
US deplores terrorist attacks in Nigeria
As the terrorist attacks in Nigeria sparked international outrage, the United States of America today expressed strong condemnation of the recent attacks in the African nation.
In a press statement, US Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said the United States condemns in the strongest terms today’s horrendous attack on worshipers at the Central Mosque in Kano and recent attacks on innocent civilians in northeastern Nigeria.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the individuals killed and injured.” – Ms. Psaki
According to Ms. Psaki, the deadly attack have all of the hallmarks of Boko Haram and the group’s disregard for human life as it continues in its efforts to destabilize Nigeria.
She stressed the United States stands with the Nigerian people in their struggle against violent extremism and the threat of terrorism and affirms our ongoing commitment to work with all Nigerians to combat these atrocities.
Sectarian Violence Escalates in Nigeria
Earlier in 2012, increasing violence escalated in Nigeria as Boko Haram group unleashed a series of attacks.
Boko Haram is a local terrorist group professing allegiance to Al Qaeda. Boko Haram militants attacked several churches on Christmas Day, killing dozens of worshipers. The bombings occurred in Madala, on the outskirts of Abuja, the Nigerian capital, and in the north-eastern city of Jos.
The United Nations human rights chief, Navi Pillay, urged a bold effort by Nigeria’s political and religious leaders to halt the spiraling sectarian violence.
Boko Haram, which aims to install strict Shariah, or Islamic, law across Nigeria, has vowed to keep killing Christians in the multiethnic country.
Boko Haram means “western education is forbidden”
The militant group has expressed strong opposition to the introduction of western education in the country. The group launched military operations in 2009 to create an Islamic state. Since then, the group has staged deadly terrorist attacks that killed thousands of people.
The US declared Boko Haram as a terrorist group in 2013.
