27 killed in Boko Haram church attack

The attack is the latest in a series from Boko Haram in Nigeria. Here, two car bombs exploded at a bustling bus terminal and market in Nigeria's central city of Jos in late May, killing over 100 people. Press Association/ Sunday Alamba

At least 27 people have been killed during an attack on a north Nigerian village, during which three churches were set on fire.

Open Doors reports that gunmen opened fire in the mostly Christian village of Dille, Borno state, on Monday morning – killing and injuring dozens of civilians.

According to local witnesses, the militia – thought to be members of terrorist organisation Boko Haram – were "heavily armed with anti-aircraft guns, rocket propelled launchers and explosives".

Furthermore, the gunmen allegedly came from an area of the Sambisa forest, which is where the kidnapped schoolgirls from Chibok are suspected to be being held.

Boko Haram, whose name translates as 'Western education is forbidden' – is responsible for thousands of deaths since its uprising in 2009, including over 2,000 this year alone. Members have declared their intention to cleanse the country of Christians, eradicate Nigerian democracy and replace it with an Islamic state guided by Sharia law.

President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Muslim-majority Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states in May 2013 and has authorised an increased military presence in an attempt to combat extremism. However radicalised Muslims continue to wreak devastation.

Bishops have urged the international Christian community to pray for the Nigerian Church, resources for which can be found here.

News
How modern science owes its existence to Christian theology
How modern science owes its existence to Christian theology

Some people think that you have to choose between science and religion, but that is not the case. This is the story …

US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies
US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies

A United States Federal Judge has granted an injunction that will prevent immigration agents from carrying out operations in places of worship after a group of religious organisations launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration over new enforcement policies.

Gyles Brandreth joins campaign to end avoidable sight loss
Gyles Brandreth joins campaign to end avoidable sight loss

Gyles Brandreth has thrown his support behind CBM UK’s campaign to end avoidable sight loss.

Church leaders call for 'rethink' of school closures in Ramadan
Church leaders call for 'rethink' of school closures in Ramadan

“We urge the governors of the affected states to reconsider this decision and explore alternative arrangements that respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.”