At least 25 bodies had been recovered from Abuja Christmas day bomb blast scene, said Xinhua's reporter on Sunday in the Nigerian capital city.

The reporter said six bodies were burnt beyond recognition, while 19 others can still be identified.

He said the bomb blast took place a 100 meters to 150 meters from the Church premises, adding that there was a big hole at the spot of the explosion.

He said several properties around the church have been destroyed by the bomb blast. The reporter said there was not enough ambulance to assist the injured ones, noting that security operatives comprising are at the scene taking casualties away.

Also, Slaku Luggard, the Abuja Zonal Coordinator of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said 25 body bags have been collected so far in the rescue operation.

The blast occurred at exactly 8:10 a.m. local time at St. Therasa Catholic Church after the Christmas Day Sunday Mass.

Security sources told Xinhua that there are many casualties, but that it is not clear how many have died.

The impact of the blast destroyed the church and vehicles parked near the premises.

The bombs planted on the main road near the church premises destroyed vehicles and nearby properties.

An eyewitness, a worshipper in the church, Steven Nwoye, said they were preparing for the second mass when the bombs exploded.

Number of casualty may increase as rescue progresses. Some of the worshippers said more than 200 members of the church were still missing.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet