Boko Haram attack caps week of bloodshed in Nigeria

At least five worshippers were killed in Sunday's attack as they were entering the church in Potiskum in the north-east of the country.

The Islamist extremists of Boko Haram have carried out a six-year campaign of violence in Nigeria's northeast.

The recent attacks have brought condemnation from Nigeria's president.

Muhammadu Buhari, speaking on Friday, described as a "heinous atrocity" the latest wave of violence.

The recent attacks include:

Friday: several suicide bombers kill large numbers in Zabarmari village

Thursday: two female suicide bombers attack another village in Borno state

Wednesday: more than 50 gunmen kill 97 people in the village of Kukawa, near Lake Chad

Tuesday: 48 men shot dead after prayers in two villages near the town of Monguno

Sunday's attack was carried out at the Redeemed Christian Church of God on the outskirts of Potiskum in Yobe state.Witnesses and the police told AFP news agency that the pastor, a women and her two children were among those killed.

Boko Haram took control of a large area of north-eastern Nigeria last year and declared a caliphate (a state governed in accordance with Islamic law).

However, Nigeria's military, backed by troops from neighbouring countries, has recaptured most of the territory.

In an effort to counter the growing violence, Nigeria is leading a military effort with neighbouring countries. Mr Buhari called for the regional military force to be deployed more rapidly.

According to Amnesty International, at least 17,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since 2009, when Boko Haram launched its violent uprising to try to impose militant Islamist rule.

Founded in 2002, initially focused on opposing Western-style education - Boko Haram means "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language

Launched military operations in 2009

Joined Islamic State

Thousands killed, mostly in north-eastern Nigeria, abducted hundreds, including at least 200 schoolgirls

Seized large area in north-east, where it declared caliphate

Regional force has retaken most territory

(BBC)