The religious cleansing of Christians from northern Nigeria continues to accelerate.

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s army says suspected members of a radical Muslim sect have killed two Christians in separate attacks despite an increased security presence in the area.

Col. Victor Ebhaleme said Boko Haram gunmen attacked two Christian homes Monday evening in back-to-back attacks in the northeastern city of Maiduguri.

At least 54 people have been killed in recent days by Boko Haram, according to an Associated Press count.

Boko Haram says it has started specifically targeting Christians, exploiting religious tensions in Africa’s most populous nation.