Pope Benedict, World Leaders, Jonathan, decries Christmas blast at Nigeria churches

Elombah.com

25 December 2011

Pope Benedict, World Leaders, Jonathan, decries Christmas blast at Nigeria churches       

The Vatican has denounced the deadly Christmas Day attacks on Nigerian churches as a sign of "cruelty and absurd, blind hatred" that shows no respect for human life. Early Sunday, an explosion ripped through a Catholic church during Christmas Mass near Nigeria's capital of Abuja, killing a reported 32 people. A second explosion struck near a church in Nigeria's central city of Jos, while two other explosions, including a suicide bomb

 attack hit the northeast state of Yobe.

Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the bombings. The sect wants to introduce strict Shariah law across Nigeria, an oil-rich nation of more than 160 million people.

Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi said the Catholic church was praying for all Nigerians confronting "this terrorist violence in these days that should be filled with peace and joy."

British Foreign Secretary William Hague voiced his concern about the "cowardly attacks on families gathered in peace and prayer".

"I condemn today’s bomb attacks in or near churches in Nigeria," he said. "These are cowardly attacks on families gathered in peace and prayer to celebrate a day which symbolises harmony and goodwill towards others", he said.

"I offer my condolences to the bereaved and injured."

The White House on Sunday also condemned the deadly Christmas Day bombings in Nigeria as "senseless violence" and offered condolences over the attacks blamed on an Islamist sect.

"We have been in contact with Nigerian officials about what initially appear to be terrorist acts and pledge to assist them in bringing those responsible to justice," the White House said in a statement.

The statement was issued as President Barack Obama vacationed in his native Hawaii, where he was getting regular daily briefings by his national security staff.

"We condemn this senseless violence and tragic loss of life on Christmas Day," the statement issued by White House spokesman Jay Carney said.

"We offer our sincere condolences to the Nigerian people and especially those who lost family and loved ones."

In a statement, President Goodluck Jonathan condemned the blasts at the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State; Jos, Plateau State; and Damaturu, Yobe State, saying the bombing of innocent citizens on a day millions of people all over the World are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is a dastardly act that must attract the rebuke of all peace-loving Nigerians.