LAGOS, Nigeria
At least six people were killed on Sunday morning in a suicide attack on an evangelical church in Nigeria’s northeastern town of Potiskum, according to local medical sources.
“A female suicide bomber struck at around 10:30 a.m. today just as people were getting set for Sunday service,” Bala Afuwa, a medic, told Anadolu Agency.
“About ten others were injured and are now being treated at Potiskum General Hospital,” Afuwa said.
Aliyu Abubakar, who works in the area for the Red Crescent, confirmed Sunday morning’s attack.
“Six people were killed, including the bomber herself, and a few others were injured in the church,” Abubakar said.
No groups have claimed responsibility for the blast, but the attack bore the hallmarks of Boko Haram, which since 2009 has waged a violent insurgency in Nigeria’s northeastern region.
Boko Haram has carried out several attacks in recent weeks, with at least 406 people killed since President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in on May 29.
The Nigerian military, which is responsible for security in the volatile region, has yet to respond to the latest surge in Boko Haram violence.
Following a major army campaign earlier this year, local analysts had warned that the military's claims of having reigned in Boko Haram were premature, asserting that the group -- which had appeared to be on the run -- was merely regrouping.
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