EU condemns Nigeria church attacks and reprisals

BRUSSELS (AFP) - The European Union condemned on Tuesday suicide attacks on Christian churches in Nigeria and reprisals against Muslims, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

"I am appalled by the terrible attacks perpetrated against Christian churches in Nigeria on June 17, following several similar attacks in recent weeks," EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement.

"I also deeply regret that reprisal attacks appear to have been made against members of the Muslim community," she said.

Three churches were hit by suicide attacks in northern Kaduna state on Sunday, triggering reprisals against Muslims in an outbreak of violence that left 52 people dead. Islamist group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the church attacks.

"It is important that those responsible for this terrible loss of life should be brought to trial and, if found guilty, be punished," Ashton said.

"The EU will renew its efforts in cooperation with the government and people of Nigeria to address the underlying social and economic problems in the north of the country, and work with the authorities to make the fight against terrorism more effective," she added.