A number of jihads have targeted Christians, Hindus, and Jews.
The shootings come as the sect has promised to target Christians in Nigeria's Muslim north, expanding its campaign of assassinations and bombings.
John Dayal fears that Hindu nationalists may also target Christians.
Although the two communities generally live peacefully, Muslim militants have intermittently targeted churches and Christians.
Rioters targeted Christians and their property, resulting in a reported 43 deaths, 30 burned churches and 250 destroyed shops and houses.
There are many examples of anti-religion propaganda targeting Jews and Christians in general.
They are known to employ extreme methods to attain converts targeting Christians.
In 1900, attacks took place across China in connection with the Boxer Rebellion which targeted Christians and foreigners.
In 1895, the Menalamba ("red shawl") revolt targeted Christians as well as the colonizers.
Some of the Sunnis will respond by targeting Allawites, Christians and other regime loyalists.