The radical Islamist group Boko Haram has been carrying out a series of attacks on Christians from northern Nigeria.

Dozens of people have died in bombing attacks during Christmas services over the past two years.

The Rev Musa Asake, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), one of the country’s ecumenical bodies, declares himself to be “very, very worried.”

Mr Asake says that that the security situation will still not prevent Nigerian Christians from going to church on Christmas, one of the holiest occasions of the year.

But speaking to CBS News, he stressed that the prayerful support and concern of fellow Christians in the US and else where was extremely important and valued.

Over 770 people have been killed in Boko Haram attacks so far this year, making 2012 the worst year of violence attributed to the group, says Religion Today website.

There have been repeated calls for the Nigerian government to do more to protect congregations and thwart violent extremism.