Ban condemns deadly bombings in Nigeria

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ban expressed "his sympathy and condolences to the people of Nigeria and to the bereaved families who have lost loved ones."

The bombings occurred in Madala, on the outskirts of Abuja, the Nigerian capital, and in the north-eastern city of Jos.

"The Secretary-General calls once again for an end to all acts of sectarian violence in the country and reiterates his firm conviction that no objective sought can justify this resort to violence," the statement said.

Last month, at least 65 people were killed in the north-eastern cities of Damaturu and Potiskum after Islamist insurgents bombed churches, mosques and police stations and fought hours of gun battles with police.