William Hague condemns Nigeria bomb blasts

A security barrier marks the scene of a car bomb explosion at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla, Suleja, just outside Nigeria's capital Abuja (Reuters)

Foreign secretary William Hague has condemned bomb attacks on several churches in Nigeria.

Radical Muslim sect Boko Haram claimed responsibility for an explosion during Christmas Mass at a Catholic church near Nigeria's capital that left 25 people dead and another bombing in the city of Jos.

Explosions also struck the nation's north-east - one blast struck a church in the north-eastern town of Gadaka and two explosions rocked the northern city of Damaturu, making five blasts in total.

The assaults come a year after a series of Christmas Eve bombings in Jos claimed by the militants left at least 32 dead and 74 wounded.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "I condemn today's bomb attacks in or near churches in Nigeria.

"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 Vatican has denounced the attacks as a sign of "cruelty and absurd, blind hatred" that shows no respect for human life.

PA