Deadly Nigeria bomb attacks condemned by world leaders
Baku, December 26 (AZERTAC). There has been widespread condemnation in the international community of a series of Christmas Day bomb attacks in Nigeria that killed almost 40 people.
The White House said the attacks were "senseless violence" and the UK foreign secretary called them "cowardly".
Militant group Boko Haram said it carried out the attacks.
A blast outside a church near the capital Abuja claimed 35 lives, while a policeman died in the city of Jos and four people were killed in Damaturu.
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan said the attacks were "an unwarranted affront on our collective safety and freedom", adding: "Nigerians must stand as one to condemn them."
The White House said initial investigation showed the attacks were "terrorist acts" and pledged to help Nigeria bring those responsible to justice.
Spokesman Jay Carney said: "We condemn this senseless violence and tragic loss of life on Christmas Day. We offer our sincere condolences to the Nigerian people and especially those who lost family and loved ones."
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "These are cowardly attacks on families gathered in peace and prayer to celebrate a day which symbolises harmony and goodwill towards others. I offer my condolences to the bereaved and injured."
The first attack, outside St Theresa`s Church in Madalla, near Abuja, killed 35 and wounded more than 50.
The church and surrounding homes were badly damaged.
Two explosive devices found in a nearby building were disarmed as military were deployed to the site.
In Damaturu, in the north-east, there were two explosions.
One was a suicide car bomb attack on a convoy of the State Security Service.
There was also an explosion in the nearby town of Gadaka.
Damaturu and Gadaka are both in Yobe state, which has been the epicentre of violence between security forces and Boko Haram militants.
More than 60 people have died in fighting there this week.
A spokesman for Boko Haram, Abul-Qaqa, told local media it carried out the bomb attacks.
Boko Haram, which means "Western education is forbidden", wants the imposition of Sharia law.
The group carried out an August 2011 suicide attack on the UN headquarters in Abuja, in which more than 20 people were killed.
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