Iran raps Nigeria church attack

Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned a mass shooting at a church in Nigeria that has killed scores of people, including women and children.

According to Tasnim news agency, in a statement on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh condemned the assault on a Catholic church in Ondo State of Nigeria that has killed at least 50 people on Sunday.

Offering condolences to the Nigerian government, people and families of the victims and expressing his deepest sympathy for the loss of lives in the attack, Khatibzadeh categorically decried such conflicts which he said are formed to sow sedition among the followers of divine religions.

The attackers targeted the St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in the town of Owo as the worshippers gathered on Pentecost Sunday. They gunned down parishioners and detonated an explosive device, local media reported.

Doctors, local officials and volunteers helping the injured said the death toll was at least 50, with dozens being treated for injuries in overwhelmed local hospitals.

ME