A suicide bomber on Sunday in Bauchi detonated an explosive device at the gate of St. John’s Catholic Church, Bauchi, killing himself and three worshippers.
The Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi State chapter, Rev. Lawi Pokti, who narrated the incident to newsmen, said more than 40 other worshipers were injured, some critically.
“The incident occurred around 8.55a.m. when the first set of worshippers were coming out of the church and the second session was about to start.
“The suicide bomber came in an Opel saloon car but could not get through to the church premises so he hit the barricade at the gate and detonated his explosive device.
“He and three worshipers died while over 40 others were injured. Some of those injured are battling between life and death,” he said.
A worshipper, Mr Osondu Chukwu, said, “if not for the barricade, the casualties would have been more”.
“The sound was massive and you can imagine if he had succeeded in getting to the hall where service was taking place,” he said.
Mr Adamu Abubakar, the Secretary of the Nigeria Red Cross in Bauchi State, also confirmed on telephone that three persons died along with the bomber.
“Three persons died and 48 others were injured. Those injured are now being treated at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi,” he said.
The Bauchi State Police Command’s spokesperson, Mr Hassan Auyo, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview but said the police were still compiling the casualty figure.
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