40 killed Christmas attacks in Nigeria

A series of attacks on churches in Nigeria during ChristmasDay services killed at least 40 people, witnesses said Sunday,with local authorities blaming the carnage on Islamist militantgroup Boko Haram.

At least 35 bodies were pulled from the rubble of a bombed church inMadalla, near the capital Abuja, BBC reported. Rescue workers rushed to the scene, and security forces cordoned off the area.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that dozens of people were hospitalised in critical condition.

 A second explosion and gunfire were heard near the Mountain of Fireand Miracles church in the restive central city of Jos, witnesses said, killing one police officer.

Worshippers reported that Christians fled holiday services at many churches in Abuja, seeking safety. \\\\ DPA