Abuja/Aleteia (Aleteia.org/ar) – “The terrible attack against Muslims during prayers is evidence that Boko Haram is broadening its objectives.” This was spoken by His Eminence, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Jos and President of the Nigerian Bishop’s Conference on November 28th in his condemnation of the attacks against the central Mosque in Kano, the largest city in northern Nigeria. He added by saying, “It is not only non-Muslims, or symbols of ‘Western culture’ like schools that are targeted, but also Muslims that are considered ‘less Muslim’ when compared to the extreme concept of Islam that Boko Haram espouses.”
During Friday prayers, two suicide bombers detonated themselves in the mosque, and a short time later Muslims opened fire on the crowd that was attempting to run away from the chaos, with the objective of maximizing the terror. The number of casualties, most of whom were children, died while being trampled by the fleeing crowd. At least four attackers were killed by survivors of the explosion. The result of the attack, which was attributed to Boko Haram, was 120 dead and 270 wounded.
It is believed that the attack was against the Amir of Kano, Muhammad al-Sanusi II, the second most important Islamic authority in Nigeria next to Sultan Sokoto. Archbishop Kaigama added, saying, “The Amir of Kano is one of the few Islamic leaders that is publicly vocal in his condemnation of the violence that Boko Haram perpetuates.” He continued, “Until now, most of the Islamic leaders in Nigeria have been reluctant to take a firm stance against Boko Haram for fear of bloody reprisals. In behalf of all Nigerians, tangible efforts must be made in putting an end to the violence.”
This article was originally published in Aleteia’s Arabic edition. Translated by Donald Puhlman.
And today we celebrate...