Gunmen attacked Deeper life church in Gombe

KANO, Nigeria – Gunmen stormed a church in northern Nigeria Thursday and killed six people as they were praying, the pastor said, as an ultimatum from Islamists for Christians in the region to leave expired.

“It was around 7:30 pm (1830 GMT),” John Jauro told AFP of the attack in the city of Gombe.

“I was leading the congregation in prayers. Our eyes were closed when some gunmen stormed the church and opened fire on the congregation. Six people were killed in the attack and 10 others were wounded.”

He said there was confusion as worshippers sought to flee at the Deeper Life Christian Ministry Church.

“The attackers started shooting sporadically. They shot through the window of the church, and many people were killed including my wife,” Jauro told Reuters. “Many of my members who attended the church service were also injured.”