LAGOS. Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The French government has expressed concern over the extent of destruction and the number of displaced persons in the January crisis in Nigerian city of Jos which claimed many lives.

A statement from the French Embassy reaching here on Saturday said Jean-Michel Dumond, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, made the observation when he donated 25,000 euros to the Nigerian Red Cross relief fund.

The statement said the money, which was handed over to Secretary-General of the Nigerian Red Cross Bello Diran in Jos was to further alleviate the suffering of the victims, particularly children.

The statement said Diran expressed appreciation to the Embassy for the gesture and gave assurance that the Red Cross would use the money to provide for the needs of the victims. "The Nigerian Red Cross has been providing psychological and material supports for the victims, while the displaced families are being reunited through the "Restoring Family Links" program of the society," the statement quoted Diran as saying.

The crisis erupted on Jan. 17 when some youths attacked worshippers at St. Michael's Anglican Church in Nasawara Gwom.

It ultimately turned into a fight between Muslim and Christian gangs.