Several churches have been burned in a series of attacks Jan. 3-7 by Boko Haram in Baga, Borno state Nigeria, which the BBC said have claimed up to 2,000 victims.

“I received a message of the Christians Association of Nigeria, the association of Christian churches in Nigeria, which states that in that area Boko Haram has burned several churches and caused numerous victims” said Rev. Patrick Tor Alumuku, Director of Social Communications of the Archdiocese of Abuja, to Agenzia Fides.

“When those of Boko Haram arrive in a major city they make no distinction between Christians and Muslims, and the population flees, without distinction of religion. Boko Haram separates Muslims from Christians only in the smaller villages,” said Alumuku.