Methodists send funds to beleaguered Nigerian church

The Methodist Church in the UK is sending a grant of £10,000 to churches in Nigeria.

The news comes after a series of attacks left at least 160 people dead on Friday. The Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility.

Muslim persecution of Christians in Nigeria has been increasing since January 2010, when ten churches were burnt down in the city of Jos.

The Methodist Church's World Mission Fund say the money will be used to rebuild "destroyed manses, churches, clinics and schools" in Northern Nigeria.

The church's Partnership Coordinator for Africa, Dr Bunmi Olayisade, visited Nigeria during November to offer aid to help re-build churches.

Dr Olayisade said the attacks are becoming more frequent and mainly target Christians. She said that although the Christians have not retailiated she fears the situation may soon escalate.

"Nigeria now has a Christian president. The past president was Muslim so the terrorists are pushing [the attacks] to destabilise the nation.

The head of the Anglican Church and Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams has written a letter to the Nigerian church, in which he calls the attacks "very disturbing". He said the British church was continuing to raise the issue with the UK government and "support the position of those who are living in fear of the ongoing violence.”