EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton condemned Monday the Christmas Day bombings of churches in Nigeria that killed at least 40 people.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton condemned Monday the Christmas Day bombings of churches in Nigeria that killed at least 40 people.

"I am profoundly shocked and saddened by the terrorist attacks which took place in several regions of Nigeria, including cowardly attacks on religious symbols and churches during the Christmas period, with appalling loss of human lives," Ashton said in a statement.

"I condemn in the strongest possible terms these attacks and all other acts of terrorism," she said, voicing her solidarity and condolences to the victims and their families.

"We stand behind the Nigerian authorities in their fight against terrorism, to protect all citizens, in particular the most vulnerable, and to preserve the right to life and the rule of law."

The Nigerian government blamed extremist sect Boko Haram for three attacks on Sunday.