The Parish Priest of St Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi, has extended an olive branch to those who bombed his church on Christmas Day.

Achi told newsmen shortly after President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to the blast scene in Madalla, Suleja Local Government Area, near Abuja, that the parishioners had forgiven the bombers.

“We the Christian community of this church have forgiven those who hurt us, those who killed us, those who murdered us.

“We are not going to take revenge but God will take revenge for us.

“Therefore, I call on all Christians all over the country to forgive them.”

Achi noted that the attack in which more than 35 people lost their lives and scores were injured had led to a reduction in the number of parishioners turning up for mass in the church.

“”Since the incident, there has been a reduction in the turnout of parishioners for programmes.

“But this may not be as a result of the bomb blast alone, it may be as a result of festivities; some people have travelled and so on.

“But since yesterday (Friday), I can see a greater number turning out for mass not minding those of them who have travelled, not minding those who are in the hospitals.

“This is because for each of the victims in the hospital, there may be one or two relations staying with him in the hospital. (NAN)