ROME – The Italian Foreign Ministry says it has confirmed Nigerian extremists’ claim that seven foreign hostages have been killed in Nigeria.

The foreigners, kidnapped last month, include an Italian, as well as Greek, British and Lebanese citizens. Greece confirmed that it believed on of its citizens was among the dead.

In a statement Sunday, the ministry condemned what it called an “atrocious act of terrorism.” Islamic radicals had claimed on Saturday they had killed the seven hostages.