Christmas Eve Massacre In Nigeria: Christians Murdered

Dec. 27, 2010 - Because of their Christian faith, numerous people were murdered in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Dozens of armed killers attacked a pastor and two young men at choir rehearsal at Victory Baptist Church, shooting them to death. The murderers then burned down the church and parsonage before leaving. Two passers by were also killed.

Across town a Church of Christ was attacked and a 60 year old security guard was murdered. Also, two bombs were as set off in central Nigeria where Christmas shopping was taking place, killing 32 people. A third bomb was set off in a Christian area of the country. Sunday more reports of violence came out, however the number of those killed or injured has not been reported yet.

The sect responsible for the violence is known as Boko Haram and is headquartered in Maiduguri. Over 500 people have been murdered so far this year in villages and towns in Nigera. The country is almost evenly split 50/50 between Christians and muslims with the south being predominantly Christian and the north muslim.

A total of four bombs were set off during the Christmas Eve massacre and thirty eight people were killed. More violence continued Sunday.