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19 killed in attack on Christian church in Nigeria

 

Ap
Tuesday 07 August 2012 07:03 BST
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Gunmen have shot dead at least 19 people in a Christian church in central Nigeria, according to an army official.

Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Olorunyomi said the gunmen stormed a church building where worshippers had gathered to pray late on Monday in the town of Otite, near the city of Okene.

He said the pastor was killed and "many" were injured but he could not immediately say how many because they had been taken to different hospitals.

He said authorities are searching for more victims who may have run into nearby bushes.

He declined to say who was suspected of the attack and there has been no claim of responsibility.

However, a radical Islamist sect has claimed several church attacks in Nigeria this year.

AP

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