Archbishop calls for prayer in response to jihadist attacks in Nigeria: The Church of England Newspaper, March 25, 2011 p 7.

Archbishop Ben Kwashi of Jos

Tragedy was narrowly averted this week in the city of Jos in Nigeria’s Plateau State, after bomb bombs destined for two packed churches exploded prematurely, killing the would-be assassins.

On March 20 two men riding a motorcycle approached the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Jos.  A large crowd was gathered outside the church as the morning English language service was ending and worshippers were waiting to enter the building for a Hausa service.  A bomb carried by the motorcyclists detonated prematurely, killing the two men.  A third motorcyclist was killed by a mob after the explosion, accused of being a scout for the two dead killers.

A second bomb attack at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church in Jos on Sunday was foiled after a bomb planted by two men riding a motorcyclist failed to explode.  The two would-be bombers escaped and are at large.

“We’re deeply concerned about these latest attacks,’ Release International CEO Andy Dipper said.

“The continuing targeting of Christians appears to be a deliberate move to provoke a backlash and sectarian violence – an attempt to destabilise the community ahead of the elections. Release urges Nigeria’s Christians to stay vigilant, but to refuse to be drawn into a spiral of violence,” he said.

CSW Advocacy Director Andrew Johnston celebrated “the fact that many lives were spared by the failure of these bombs to detonate as intended,” however it is “deeply regrettable that these men were prepared to carry out carnage against their fellow citizens purely on account of their religion.”

The Archbishop of Jos, Dr Benjamin Kwashi told Release the failed bombings were part of a larger campaign to terrorize Christians and destabilize the community.

“No one is willing to accept that the Christian church is under attack.  It is difficult for people to understand that Jos could be overrun. The government has been negligent, and the world will not help,” the archbishop said.

“Even the Muslims are not safe,” from the predations of the terrorists, he added.

However, Dr. Kwashi urged forbearance.  “Revenge I will never support. But those who wish to defend themselves, I cannot stop.  People have had enough of this.  It’s been going on for 30 years. The government must do more to provide security for everybody.”

“But you know, the only real answer is prayer,” he said.

“I trust God to defend us. I have been threatened with death personally three times. In all three times, the Lord has rescued me,” Dr. Kwashi said.