KADUNA, Nigeria, Oct. 28 (UPI) —
A suicide bomber in a car attacked a Catholic church in Kaduna, Nigeria, Sunday, killing at least seven — and perhaps as many as 15 — people, officials said.
The attack took place at St. Rita Catholic Church around 10:45 a.m. local time during mass, Nigerian newspaper Leadership reported.
In addition to seven people confirmed dead, dozens were injured in the bombing, which damaged a corner of the church and blew off parts of the roof, the BBC reported. The newspaper reported as many as 15 members of the congregation were killed.
Witnesses said the bomber drove up to the gates of the church, but was refused entry by security. The driver then backed up and drove through a wall and detonated the bomb just outside the church, the BBC reported.
No group has taken responsibility for the bombing, though similar attacks have been perpetrated by Islamist militant group Boko Haram. The group has fought to overthrow the government and implement Sharia law, the BBC reported.
A spokesman for the local governor asked people in Kaduna to remain calm and avoid retaliation for the attack. The Nigerian Emergency Management Agency told the BBC some Christian youths had attacked a vehicle that had arrived at the church to help survivors.
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