Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has condemned a series of bomb attacks in Nigeria on Christmas Day.
In a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation on Tuesday, Zuma expressed his condolences following the attacks which claimed the lives of 40 people while scores others sustained serious injuries.
"President Jacob Zuma has condemned the series of Christmas Day bomb attacks in Nigeria claimed by militant Islamist group Boko Haram. Following the attacks of 25 December 2011, President Zuma has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to President Goodluck Jonathan, the Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly families of the deceased and the injured, during this difficult time of mourning and sadness," said the department.
Earlier this month, Zuma visited Nigeria to promote peace and security, sustainability and democracy on the African continent. "South Africa will work with Nigeria, within the ambit of the African Union, to rid the continent of terrorism and other related ills," said Zuma.
Meanwhile, more Nigerians from different spheres of life condemned the Sunday attack on churches in some part of the country by the Boko Haram sect.
They all urged the Nigerian federal government to quickly address the issue of Boko Haram to prevent further spread of the crisis.
The majority of people died on the steps of a Catholic church as a massive explosion occurred during Christmas Mass.
