Suicide bomb hits Nigerian Catholic church

• Tweet

JOS, Nigeria, March 12 (UPI) -- A deadly suicide bombing attack on a Catholic church in Jos, Nigeria, sparked retaliation attacks, leaving several dead and injured, officials said.

Media reports differed on the number of people killed at the church and in reprisal attacks that followed Sunday. The Punch reported Monday 11 people died at the church and four people were killed in reprisal attacks while The Daily Trust reported seven people died at the church 10 people were killed in reprisals.

Samuel Dabai, a spokesman for the Plateau state police, said the death toll was 10, The Punch said.

Despite reports to the contrary, Dabai said there were no reports of reprisals, The Daily Trust said.

"The security agencies on ground have since calmed the situation after the blast," he said.

Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the bombing, telling reporters the bombing was to avenge the "killing and dehumanization of Muslims."

"We attacked simply because it's a church and we can decide to attack any other church. We have just started," spokesman Abu Qaqa said.

Boko Haram militants want Shariah law for Nigeria, which is split between Muslims and Christians.

Witnesses said the bombers tried to go through the church's security gate, but it was locked. The driver then rammed the vehicle into a fence and the bomb detonated.

Medical personnel said at least 15 people were treated at area hospitals, but that the number of injured may not be known because not all may have been treated at a medical facility.