Blast hits Nigeria church during Christmas service

At least 25 people have been killed after an unknown person set off an explosive device outside a church in the Nigerian capital during Christmas Day celebrations, according to a relief worker.

A witness said a bomb had exploded in St Theresa church, but officials have not confirmed the cause of the blast.

The explosion tore through the church as worshippers gathered for Christmas services. Witnesses said windows of nearby houses had been shattered.

Security has been high after violence between Islamist gunmen and soldiers in northern Nigeria.

But the BBC's Fidelis Mbah in Lagos says no trouble had been expected in the capital.


BBC