12 killed in Bauchi church bombing

Bauchi bomb blast

No fewer than 12 persons were killed when a suicide bomber drove a Honda car full of explosives into the premises of the Harvest Field Church of Faith and Living Faith Church in Yelwa area of Bauchi State on Sunday morning.

Though, security agencies put the casualty figure at nine, an unconfirmed source, however, said 15 people were killed.

An eyewitness said the incidence occured at 9.20am when members of the Harvest Field Church of Faith had just ended the first service and were about to begin the second service.

The eyewitness said the explosion destroyed part of the church building and some cars parked outside the church.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ladan, who confirmed the incident, said nine people were killed, including the suicide bomber while 27 people, including one policeman and a soldier, were injured and currently receiving treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Hospital, Bauchi.

He said one improvised explosive device was found under a bridge near Dass Motor Park, along Yelwa Road, adding that it was defused by the police anti- bomb squad.

Ladan said, “On Sunday, the suicide bomber in a vehicle, a Honda Civic, attempted to force his way into the iron barricade at the entrance of Living Faith Church in Yelwa but was denied entry. In the process, the suicide bomber succeeded in detonating his explosives at the barrier opposite Harvest field Church of Faith, Yelwa.”

Ladan called on the residents of the state to remain calm and go about their normal activities, saying the police and other sister agencies were on patrol within the metropolis and other places within the state.

He called on members of the public to be vigilant and give useful information to security agencies to enable them bring those involved in the incident to justice.

Associate Pastor of Living Faith Church, Johson Akpeno, called on church members not to be discouraged or seek to retaliate because of their believe in the teachings of God which preaches peace.

Bauchi State Goverment condemned the attack, describing it as a callous act and act if cowardice.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Isa Yuguda, who spoke on behalf of the government, commended the efforts of security agencies.

He warned that anyone found wanting would be dealt with according to the law.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday called on Nigerians not to be disheartened by the spate of bombings across the country. Rather, he urged all stakeholders to be comforted by the significant reduction in the frequency of such attacks in recent weeks. This, he attributed to efforts by security agencies.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President renewed his call on stakeholders to continue to support the efforts of his administration and those of security agencies to end the orgy of violence in the country.

The statement read, “While the recurrence of a heinous attack on a place of worship is most regrettable, the President urges Nigerians not to be disheartened by it.”