Release partners warn of agenda to 'split the nation like Sudan'

Release International

As eight more churches are attacked in Nigeria, Release partners fear militants want to divide the nation like Sudan, creating an Islamist north.

Islamist militant group Boko Haram have attacked eight churches in northern Nigeria, following an earlier, separate, attack on Plateau State which claimed the lives of 45 Christians. Release partner, Stefanos Foundation, fears militants are trying to divide Nigeria like Sudan, to create a new Islamic nation in the north.

In the latest incident on November 26, the Islamist sect Boko Haram bombed the township of Geidam in north-east Nigeria. Release partners say they attacked eight churches, along with the Police Headquarters.

According to Reuters, four policemen were killed and 20 people wounded. Boko Haram, whose name means 'Western education is sinful' has claimed responsibility.

The group wants to establish strict Islamic law in Nigeria and is attempting to destabilise the country. Earlier this month they launched suicide bomb attacks in the State capital Damaturu, killing 150.

In a separate attack Fulani Muslims attacked the township of Barkin Ladi in Plateau state, shooting down on Christian villagers from the hills. The series of attacks, which began on November 20 reportedly killed at least 45 ethnic Berom Christians.

What links the two attacks is an agenda to divide Nigeria into two, like Sudan, creating an Islamic north, believes Release partner, Stefanos Foundation.

'Militants have destroyed most of the churches in the north,' said Mark Lipdo of Stefanos. 'They are not tolerant of Christians in the north. They are terrorising them and demanding a Sharia state. They want to divide the nation like Sudan.

'Where the violence has calmed down it is because there are no more Christians left.' Many have fled to Plateau State, on the dividing line between north and south, where the attacks are continuing. And in parts of the north where violence continues to erupt, it is because the indigenous Christian minority are refusing to be driven from their homes, believes Mr Lipdo.

Mark Lipdo described what he saw at the scene of the latest attacks in Barkin Ladi. 'Fulani Muslims were shooting at Christians from the hills and then police moved in in armoured cars to defend the village. Villagers and police were being fired on from all sides. We had to withdraw for our own safety. We later saw houses being set on fire.'

Release International is calling on Nigeria to protect its Christian minority in the north. CEO Andy Dipper says: 'Our partners fear the pattern of attacks points to plans to tear Nigeria in half and establish an Islamic nation in the north under strict Sharia law.

'We are seeing religious and ethnic cleansing taking place in Nigeria. Militants such as Boko Haram are growing in strength, and attacks apparently intended to terrorise and drive out the Christian minority occur almost daily.

'Release calls upon the government of Nigeria to curb the militants and safeguard the lives of its Christian minority in the north. Religious cleansing must not be allowed to continue in Nigeria.'