President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the horrific attacks on several churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on the holy day of Easter.

The president made his feelings known in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Sunday.

Buhari extended his deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the attacks and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

“We stand with victims of terrorism all over the world because we know and understand this harrowing inhuman activity,” the president said.

According to him, Nigeria stands with the people of Sri Lanka at this terrible moment.

He urged the authorities not to spare ”the wicked elements behind these mischievous attacks.”

Catholic pontiff, Pope Francis criticised the suicide attacks in Sri Lanka early in the day that killied no fewer than Over 200 people.

Francis described the attacks as dastardly and cowardly and pledged their solidarity with Sri Lanka people in the elimination of such heinous crimes.

Reports indicated that no fewer than 450 others were injured in bomb blasts that ripped through churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, the first major attack on the Indian Ocean island since the end of a civil war 10 years ago.

Seven people were arrested and three police officers were killed during a security forces raid on a house in the Sri Lankan capital several hours after the rash of attacks, some of which officials said were suicide bombs.

The government declared a curfew in Colombo and blocked access to social media and messaging sites, including Facebook and WhatsApp. It was unclear when the curfew would be lifted.

World leaders have condemned a series of blasts in Sri Lanka that killed more than 150 people on Sunday, including dozens of foreigners — with British, Dutch and American citizens believed to be among them.

Hospital sources also said Japanese citizens were among those injured by the bombs which ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services.

British Prime Minister Theresa May described the attacks as “truly appalling”, saying the acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling, and my deepest sympathies go out to all of those affected at this tragic time.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia was thinking of those killed in a “horrific terrorist attack”, saying to the beautiful people of Sri Lanka, Australia sends its heartfelt sympathies and our prayers and our support — and our offer to do whatever we can to support you in this terrible time of need.

Sri Lanka’s government imposed a nationwide curfew Sunday that police said would go into effect immediately and would last “until further notice”, after a string of deadly blasts.

Sri Lanka’s defence ministry initially said the curfew would be imposed overnight, but the police subsequently said it would go into effect straight away.

Nearly 160 people were killed Sunday in eight attacks targeting churches and hotels across the country, with hundreds of people injured.