Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday condemned plans by a US church to burn the Quran fearing it could "further sunder the already fragile bonds" between Christianity and Islam.

As leader of a country known for its religious and ethnic diversity, Jonathan said he was obliged to join the chorus of condemnation of plans by a Florida church to torch copies of the Quran to mark the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
   
In the meantime, the Florida pastor, Terry Jones said that he would call off the Quran burning. But then later on Thursday he said that he would "rethink our position" after a Muslim leader said the minister incorrectly announced that the proposed Islamic center near New York's ground zero would be moved as part of a deal.

Nigeria is home to the largest population of Muslims in sub-Saharan Africa.
   
The country's 150 million population is roughly divided in half between  Muslims and Christians.
   
Sectarian clashes occur frequently in Nigeria, particularly in the country's north and central regions, with hundreds of people killed in violence this year alone.

Source: AFP/CNN