A group of Ulster missionaries have escaped safe but shaken after their church in Nigeria was bombed.
At least 12 missionaries from Northern Ireland were taking part in a 7am service at the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) on Sunday when a suicide bomber struck, killing three people and injuring 37 worshippers.
An eyewitness in Jos described seeing a car being driven erratically before realising something was wrong. The Englishwoman described how she shouted a warning, in the hope that her actions may have helped some others reach shelter in time before the bomb exploded.
The suicide bomber was reportedly driving a Volkswagen Golf, which he forced on to the church premises, causing an industrial gas cylinder which was in the car boot – and probably designed to amplify the effect of the blast – to fall out before the explosive was detonated. The bomber and two church members died in the explosion, while 37 others were injured and many vehicles were destroyed.
The Islamist group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Mission Africa, the largest independent interdenominational Christian mission in Ireland, has expressed its concerns.
Lynsey Bell from Carnmoney, who is in Jos, said she feels concerned at what could happen in the future.
“I don’t know about others but every Sunday I feel uneasy going to church because of this kind of thing happening,” she said.
“We are safe but really concerned about what will happen now.”
The Rev Dr Paul Bailie, chief executive of Mission Africa, who has often worshipped at the COCIN church in Jos, said the mission is “shocked and dismayed at this terrible act of evil”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved and injured,” he said.
“We pray that they will experience God’s comfort and strength at this time. We long for the day when peace comes to Nigeria.”
Sid Garland, who has spent 25 years working with the ministry team, said he was concerned but not surprised by the bombing.
He is no longer permanently based in Jos and was not there on Sunday at the time of the bomb.
“We were always conscious that it [the church in Jos] could become a target,” he said.
“It is the main Protestant church in that area with the largest denomination and had quite a few prominent people including a governor and public representatives.”
Since the attack, COCIN has received gifts and donations to help those injured.
Anyone who wishes to donate should contact Mission Africa at 14 Glencregagh Court, Belfast, BT6 0PA, telephone 028 9040 2850.