Story highlights

In addition to the suicide bomber, a woman and child are among the dead

22 people are injured in the blast

A militant Islamist group has attacked other churches in the area

Lagos, Nigeria CNN  — 

At least two people were killed when a suicide bomber attacked a church in northern Nigeria Sunday, officials said.

In addition to the bomber, a woman and child were among the dead, the National Emergency Management Agency said. At least 22 people were injured in the blast, which occurred in the town of Bauchi.

A witness said the car detonated near a gate at St. John’s Catholic Church as congregants were leaving a Sunday service.

Authorities did not immediately say who was responsible for the attack.

In June, the Boko Haram militant Islamist group claimed responsibility for a series of church bombings that killed dozens.

The group, whose name means “Western education is forbidden,” has referred to itself as the “Nigerian Taliban.” It seeks to overthrow the government and replace it with a regime based on Islamic law.

Journalist Hassan John contributed to this report.