By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
ABUJA (Worthy News) - The bodies of three Christians, who were killed by Islamic fighters in northern Nigeria after being separated from other bus passengers, have been found, Christians said Thursday.
However, the condition and whereabouts of a fourth Christian passenger captured with the other men remained unclear, sources explained.
The attack happened on June 5 when a bus traveling along the Damaturu-Biu Highway was forced to stop by “terrorists” linked to the Islamic State (IS) group, according to investigators.
The IS-backed Islamic State West Africa Province, which is mainly active in Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, halted the bus near the village of Kamuya, on the border between the Nigerian states of Yobe and Borno, Christians told Worthy News.
They then pulled aside four passengers who were Christians and allowed the rest of the Muslim travelers to leave, according to witnesses.
Footage released by IS, also known as ISIS, purportedly showed the victims kneeling with their arms tied behind their backs in front of three masked gunmen.
FOOTAGE RELEASED
Subsequent photos captured the men falling to the ground as gunmen fired upon them, raising clouds of smoke.
The latest attacks came at a time of massive kidnappings of Christians by Islamic groups and related “bandits,” according to Christians familiar with the situation.
The attack was condemned by Reverend Ibrahim Abako, who represents the Christian Association of Nigeria in Yobe State, an umbrella organization of several Christian denominations.
“These incidents have been happening frequently,” he confirmed.
“We call on the government, especially the military and police, to take proactive measures by protecting the citizens regardless of their religious background,” Abako added.
Thousands of Christians have reportedly been killed or kidnapped in recent years in Nigeria, making it one of the world’s deadliest nations for Christians.