LAGOS – A website purported to belong to an Islamist sect has claimed responsibility for Christmas Eve bombings in central Nigeria that left dozens dead, but police on Tuesday cast doubt on the claim.
“O nations of the world, be informed that verily the attacks in Suldaniyya (Jos) and Borno on the eve of Christmas was carried out by us, Jama’atu Ahlus-Sunnah Lidda’Awati Wal Jihad, under the leadership of Abu Muhammad, Abubakar bin Muhammad Shekau (May Allah preserve him),” a statement on the site said. The attacks were meant “to start avenging the atrocities committed against Muslims in those areas, and the country in general.
Therefore we will continue with our attacks on disbelievers and their allies and all those who help them …” Suspected members of the sect known as Boko Haram, which launched an uprising in Nigeria last year, have previously said they want to be known as a group that goes by that name.
