Patriarch Kirill urges Nigerian govt to resolutely crack down on terror

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has sent condolences to Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan following the death of dozens of people as a result of terrorist attacks targeting Christian churches on Christmas Day, Interfax-religion informs.

"The murder and persecution of Christians, the destruction of churches and worshippers' homes have become systematic recently. Such crimes cost the people of Nigeria alone dozens of human lives in 2011," Patriarch Kirill said in a message, published on the Russian Orthodox Church's website.

Violence directed against worshippers is aimed at sowing interreligious discord among people, who have been living side-by-side on the territory of many countries for centuries, he said.

"I hope that both statesmen and the clergy will share the commitment to resolutely fight against the evil encroaching upon the Nigerians' peaceful life," Patriarch Kirill said.