Al-Azhar has vehemently condemned a heinous Boko Haram attack on the majority-Christian village of Pemi in Nigeria’s Borno state on Christmas Eve.

The attack left over 10 people dead and others injured.

In a statement released on Saturday, Al-Azhar said that these terrorist groups have dedicated themselves to promoting a distorted image of religion, striking terror into the hearts of innocents and using violence to spread hatred and disunity in society.

Al-Azhar further stressed that targeting innocent people or places of worship is a cowardly act of terror expected only from inhumane and merciless savages.

Calling for serious action to put an end to terrorism, which constitutes a threat to international stability, Islam’s highest Sunni seat offered its sincere condolences to the victims’ families,  while wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.