20101226
africanews

The Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan said government would ensure that those responsible for the bomb blast that left over 30 persons dead on Christmas eve around the north central Nigerian city of Jos would be found and justice meted.

About 30 armed men had attacked a church on Christmas Eve. The pastor was reportedly dragged out of his home and shot to death. Two young men from the choir, rehearsing for a late-night carol service were also killed.

The attackers were said to have left after they made sure the church and pastor's house were on fire.

"I cannot understand these attacks. Why Christians, Why Christians? The police have failed to protect us," Danjuma Akawu, the church's secretary who managed to escape after he and others climbed over the church's fence was quoted as saying by AP.

The President condemned the attack and said: “Government will do everything possible to unearth those behind this unfortunate incident.” He was speaking at a Christmas day audience with residents of the Federal Capital Territory led by Vice President Namadi Sambo.

A statement from the President's office said: "The president expressed sadness at explosions which killed many innocent Nigerians, Christians and Muslims alike.”