Nigerian president sends condolences to China over earthquake

ABUJA, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday commiserated with President Xi Jinping and the people of China over the massive devastation and loss of lives caused by earthquake in that country.

The huge 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred on Saturday in the Sichuan province that has killed 160 people as of 0:40 a.m. Sunday Beijing time.

Spokesperson to the president, Reuben Abati, said in a statement reaching Xinhua that President Jonathan condoled with the families who suffered fatalities and injuries in the earthquake.

"The President conveys the solidarity and sincere sympathy of Nigeria and its people to the friendly people of China as they embark on an urgent search, rescue and relief operation to aid survivors of the earthquake," he added. The earthquake hit Lushan county of Ya'an City in Sichuan province at 8:02 a.m. Saturday Beijing time (GMT 0002).