Christians and Muslims in the city of Jos, Nigeria were killed in a string of recent attacks by a militant group. Authorities suspect that the attacks were premeditated by Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram. 44 died and 67 were wounded in the attack in Jos on Sunday, July 5. Police continue to do a body count as they search through the rubble of church buildings.
BBC News reports that attacks occurred daily as 48 men were shot to death nearby Monguno on Tuesday and 97 villagers in Kukawa were killed on Wednesday. Several suicide bombers attacked villages in Borno state and in Zabarmari on Thursday and Friday. On Sunday, a female suicide bomber attacked a church, killing six people including herself.
An estimated 32 churches were burned down and 300 homes were destroyed by the bombings. The terrorist group strategically attacked Jos, a city at the center of Nigeria where the north and south meet. Another location targeted was Shagalinku, a restaurant visited by governors and politicians.
"The restaurant was destroyed and we saw many people covered in blood. We can't believe that we escaped," said Sabi'u Bako, a survivor of the attack.
Authorities assume that terrorist bombings and shootings peaked in recent weeks due to the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan began on June 17 and ends on July 17. The holiday is usually observed for fasting, prayer, and giving to charity.
Others suspect that the recent spike in attacks occurred due to the newly elected Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari's speech in late May about stopping Boko Haram. Buhari said that the command center would be "relegated" to him "until Boko haram is completely subdued." Buhari is a 72-year-old former general.
