Archbishop of Jos appalled latest bomb attack

(Vatican Radio) (Vatican Radio) There has been strong condemnation of a twin car bomb attack in the Nigerian city of Jos, in Plateau State which left at least 118 people dead.

Cruel and evil and beyond comprehension were just some of the words used to describe the carnage.

The blasts happened at a crowded bus terminal and market in the city leaving at least over 100 people dead.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombs, but the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram has been waging a sustained bombing campaign in the African nation.

President Goodluck Jonathan condemned the attacks and said he remains ``fully committed to winning the war against terror.''

The Archbishop of Jos and President of the Nigerian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Ignatius Kaigama, speaking to Vatican Radio described Tuesday’s bomb attacks as appalling and beyond comprehension. He said we are “traumatized and terribly appalled to witness such massive destruction.”

The Archbishop also said that these blasts were a set back to peace efforts being promoted in Plateau State between the Christian and Muslim communities.

He added that only recently when they launched a fund to build a new Cathedral in Jos, Muslim leaders not only accepted an invitation to attend but also made donations.

But despite these latest events Archbishop Kaigama remains hopeful that efforts to foster dialogue will continue. Listen to Lydia O’Kane’s report