Muslims kill Christian man, destroy two churches over 'blasphemous' Facebook post in Nigeria

Chiqui Guyjoco Friday, June 03, 2016

A young Christian man was killed and two Christian churches were destroyed by a Muslim mob on Sunday, May 29 in central Nigeria's Niger state over an alleged blasphemous Facebook post.

"The incident began with Facebook chats between a Muslim and Christian youth in the town," Rev. Daniel, a Baptist pastor in Kagara town, told Morning Star News.

Shi'ite men talk while sitting under posters of their Islamic leaders in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria, February 2, 2016. | REUTERS/AFOLABI SOTUNDE

"The Muslim youth mobilized other Muslims in the town on claims that the Christian youth had blasphemed the prophet Muhammad. The Muslims went to Fellowship Baptist Church along Alllawa Road, Pandogari, and burned down the church," reported the pastor.

Daniel counted at least two injured from gunshot wounds and expected that there could be more wounded.

The Nigerian army named the Christian youth as the 24-year-old Methodus Chimaije Emmanuel. Emmanuel was a trader in Pandogari, Rafi Local Government. The army also confirmed the reports that a Muslim mob was responsible for the attack and the killing on Sunday after Emmanuel was accused of posting a blasphemous statement about Prophet Muhammad.

Army spokesman N.C. Agwu released a press release the day after the attack stating that three persons including one personnel of the NSDC (Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps) have been killed in the attack. The Muslim mob also burned down a church, a house, and a shop and then blocked the Lagos-Kaduna Road early morning on Monday. Agwu also noted that arrests were already made.

"One of our churches, Fellowship Baptist Church, has been burnt by the Muslims," said a Baptist pastor in Pandogari who didn't want to be identified. "Another church too was vandalized and destroyed, and the Christian accused of blasphemy was killed."

"Pandogari is a no-go area as the situation is terribly bad," said a woman who identified herself only as Larai. "Christians are being attacked even as I speak to you now."

Larai added that at least seven people were injured on Sunday's attack.

Agwu also said in his statement released to the media that a dusk to dawn curfew is already imposed on the town while the military takes on a non-violent approach to de-escalate the tensions and ensure lasting peace.