LAGOS: Canada's foreign ministry has condemned the attacks on Christians at a church in Nigeria. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said that the attack was “cowardly” in a statement after the attack left a number of Nigerian Christians dead after gunmen opened fire while they prayed at a church in the town of Otite in Kogi state. “I am deeply saddened by the cowardly murder by gunmen of parishioners who were gathered in worship,” he said. “Canada urges all people in Nigeria to work with the Nigerian government to counter terrorism and bring to justice those responsible for this reprehensible crime. No one should have to practice his or her faith in fear. Canada will continue to stand up for religious freedom. “On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those killed in these attacks, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured." The attack, the latest by the Islamic militant group Boko Haram has once again highlighted the tension in the country. The militant group has killed scores of Christians in recent months as it pushes for an Islamic state in Nigeria. Negotiations with the government broke down earlier this year after the group refused to give up its weapons and continued to attack security forces in the country.
