Zuma, South African Muslims condole with Nigeria on Xmas Day bomb attacks

South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma, on Thursday condoled with the Federal Government on the death of some Nigerians in the Christmas Day bomb attacks on some churches.

A statement by the Department of International Relation and Co-operation said Mr. Zuma also condemned the series of attacks which killed many people and damaged property in the country.

“Following the attacks of December 25, 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, ’’ the statement said.

The statement recalled that Zuma had during his recent visit to Nigeria pledged South Africa’s willingness to work with Nigeria, within the ambit of the AU, to rid Africa of terrorism and other related ills.

Meanwhile, the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) of South Africa has also condemned the Christmas Day bomb attacks.

In a statement signed by its leader Abdul-Khaliq Allie, the Council said the act of violence by the militant Islamic group Boko Haram, who claimed responsibility for the attacks, was against the teaching of Islam.

“We condemn the killing of Christian worshippers. These killings can never be an act to be recorded in the name of Islam,” the statement said.