"Boko Haram does not represent Nigerian Islam," says Mgr. Kaigama

June 21, 2012: "It is fair to say that Boko Haram is against Christians and the Christian religion, but let's be careful not to confuse this sect with the entire Muslim population of Nigeria, with which we try to maintain good relations," said Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, President of the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria.

In recent days Boko Haram an Islamic sect hit different areas of northern Nigeria. In Kaduna, capital of the State 3 churches were attacked on Sunday, June 17, the curfew was re-established for 24 hours, while in Damaturu, capital of the Yobe State, at least 40 people were killed in a series of clashes, which lasted hours, between security forces and members of the Islamic sect.

Faced with this wave of violence Mgr. Kaigama invites everyone to stay calm. "Boko Haram - says the Archbishop - has a structure formed not only by fanatics willing to sacrifice their lives to bring death to others, but also from sponsors, some of whom are foreigners. We must ask our security forces to identify the sponsors and the inspirers for this campaign of violence.

Unfortunately, so far, they have not been able to do so," concluded the President of the Nigerian Episcopal Conference. It may be recalled that the Pope during his weekly general audience on Wednesday, expressed deep concern for the terrorist attacks against Christians in Nigeria.