Police put casualty figures from Nigeria church blast at 3 dead, 46 injured (Update)

Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - The police in Bauchi in northern Nigeria said Sunday morning's suicide bombing at a Catholic Church in the city left three dead and 46 injured, representing an increase in the figure of one dead earlier given by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Police spokesman Hassan Auyo gave the fIgures to journalists, saying those killed included the suicide bomber.

According to Auyo, the suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden vehicle at the gate of the St. John's Catholic Church after a barricade erected there prevent him from driving into the premises during the early morning Mass.

He did not say who was responsible, merely disclosing that no arrests have been made.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but it is believed to have been perpetrated by the Islamic sect Boko Haram.

Since launching its violent campaign, characterised by gun and bomb attacks, in the predominantly-Muslim northern Nigeria in 2009, the sect has killed over 1,400 people, according to Human Rights Watch.

Boko Haram, believed to be fighting to avenge the death of its leader, Mohammed Yusuf, by the police in 2009, has also said it wants to establish an Islamic state in the north.

Sunday's suicide bomb attack came a few days after the Nigerian military announced some successes against the sect, including the killing of four of its top commanders and the arrest of many more.
-0- PANA SEG 23Sept2012