Armed group in Nigeria bombs Cathedral

Violence has killed hundreds in Nigeria since April

Members of Boko Haram

An armed group suspected of being members of Boko Haram set off bombs that destroyed St. Patrick's Cathedral and two police stations in Maiduguri, Nigeria, June 7.

“St. Patrick’s Cathedral was seriously damaged, windows and doors destroyed, the whole building was shaken to its foundations by the violence of the explosion,” said Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme of Maiduguri.

The Islamic extremist group, which seeks widespread application of sharia law in the predominately Muslim nation, has also claimed responsibility for a number of other acts of violence.

They have carried out almost daily attacks in and around the northern capital since the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from the south. Jonathan, the former vice president, first assumed office when former president Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, a Muslim, died May 5, 2010.

Boko Haram's targets have included politicians, law enforcement, and religious and traditional rulers opposed to its ideology, including Islamic leaders.