Islamist killings mount across Africa

In Kenya and Nigeria, Islamist killings have risen in the last few days, with Somalia’s al-Shabaab and Boko Haram respectively ­carrying out deadly massacres in the two countries, writes Fredrick Nzwili. Church leaders fear Christmas celebrations in Muslim-majority  regions will be vulnerable to attack.

On Monday, al-Shabaab terrorists crossed into Kenya and killed 36 quarry workers near the northern town of Mandera. Residents of the mainly Muslim region said the gunmen separated Muslims from the rest and shot Christians in the head. Last week, the terrorists killed 28 Christians who were travelling in a bus from the town for Christmas holidays.

According to Bishop Joseph Alessandro, the Garissa Diocese coadjutor, the quarry attack targeted skilled workers from outside the northern region. “Forcing them to flee will destabilise this part of Kenya,” Bishop Alessandro told Fides news agency.

In Nigeria, Boko Haram has stepped up attacks targeting both churches and mosques, according to Fr John Bakeni, the Maiduguri diocesan secretary. “The international community must act fast or we will perish,” Fr Bakeni said.

On Friday last week, the ­terrorists attacked the Central Mosque in Kano city, killing over 120 people after the emir of Kano criticised Boko Haram.