90% of victims of Nigeria church bombing are children - Archbishop

Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - The Archbishop overseeing the Nigeria church that was attacked by a suicide bomber on Sunday, killing 8 persons and injuring 145, said 90% of the victims were children.

The Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna Diocese, Bishop Matthew Man-Ndagoso, said after the blast: ''I feel more pained in my heart over this unfortunate incident as 90 per cent of the victims are children. We pray for their quick recovery and fortitude to bear the loss of those who died in the process.''

The private Leadership newspaper quoted the Archbishop as appealing to Christians, especially the Catholic youths, not to consider reprisal as an option, as this will rather create more tension and add to the already bad situation.

A suicide bomber riding in an explosives-laden Sports Utility Vehicle rammed his vehicle through the gates of the St. Rita's Catholic Church in Kaduna, northern Kadina State, during the morning Mass, triggering a blast that destroyed a part of the church building.

Among the injured is the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Bonet Micah. He is currently being treated at the Garkuwa Specialist Hospital.

President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the attack, calling it barbaric and cruel.

No person or group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but accusing fingers are pointing at the Islamic sect Boko Haram, which has engaged in church bombings, among other attacks, in the past.
-0- PANA SEG 29Oct2012