Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram claimed credit for a deadly Easter Sunday bombing in the central city of Kaduna that has killed 36 people, despite an increased presence by Nigerian public security forces in troubled areas in the north.
on Sunday, a suicide bomber detonated his vehicle on a busy road in a Christian neighborhood of the predominantly Muslim city. The explosion occurred in the vicinity of two churches -- one of which was the alleged target -- drawing comparisons to the Christmas day bombings in Abuja, when Boko Haram killed more than 50 people by attacking a number of churches around the capital city during mass.Although active for the last decade, Boko Haram had developed something of a reputation as 'the gang that couldn't shoot straight'- Nigerian authorities were sometimes alerted to Boko Haram's activities due to bombs going off prematurely, maiming operatives in Boko Haram safehouses.
“The blast shattered windows of nearby churches and business premises. Many vehicles were also destroyed. It was a big bomb because it created a huge hole in the ground,” Kaduna resident Malam Zakari told the Nigerian Tribune.
According to AllAfrica, at least 20 of the 36 killed were "achaba riders," or taxi-bike drivers who were enjoying breakfast at a local cafe.
However, in recent months the group has stepped up attacks against churches and government buildings in the predominantly Muslim north. Since the end of 2011, the group has claimed responsibility for previous attacks targeting churches and Christian worshippers in Jos and the outskirts of the capital city of Abuja.
Boko Haram has also targeted recently Nigerian police and security force with roadside bombs, arson attacks on police buildings and sniper fire.
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