The House of Commons held a debate on the growing violence against Christians in Nigeria following the attack on a Catholic church on Pentecost Sunday that left dozens dead and almost 100 injured.

MP Fiona Bruce tabled an urgent question asking the government about helping religious groups in Nigeria and whether they believe religious freedom itself is an issue “as the attacks are mainly on largely Christian communities?”

In her response, Vicky Ford, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, condemned the “heinous” attack and stressed “the importance of those responsible being brought to justice in accordance with the law”.

She also said the UK government is working “closely with religious leaders” and is also “liaising with the authorities in Ondo state to encourage a thorough investigation”.

Ford continued: “We are committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all, and to promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities.

“We will continue to encourage the Nigerian Government to take urgent action to implement long-term solutions that address the root causes of such violence.”