Day of extremist violence across Nigeria kills more than 60
July 07, 2015  00:06
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A day of extremist violence against both Muslims and Christians in Nigeria killed more than 60 people, including worshipers in a mosque who came to hear a cleric known for preaching peaceful coexistence of all faiths.

Militants from Boko Haram were blamed for the suicide bombings Sunday night at a crowded mosque and a posh Muslim restaurant in the central city of Jos; a suicide bombing earlier at an evangelical Christian church in the northeastern city of Potiskum, and attacks in several northeastern villages where dozens of churches and about 300 homes were torched.

President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attacks on places of worship and said the government will defend Nigerians' right to worship freely.

It was the latest spasm of violence by Boko Haram extremists who have killed about 300 people in the past week apparently after an order by the self-proclaimed Islamic State group for more mayhem during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Earlier this year, Boko Haram became an affiliate of the Islamic State group.

The deadliest attack came on Wednesday when more than 140 people were killed mostly men and boys mowed down by gunfire as they prayed in mosques in the northeastern town of Kukawa.

Image for representation only.
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