British Foreign Secretary UN office in Abuja bombing

British Foreign Secretary William Hague condemned Friday the bomb attack on a UN building in Nigeria and pledged that Britain stood ready to provide assistance. In a brief statement, Hague said he was "shocked" to hear of the blast in Abuja which is reported to have killed at least seven people. He said: "This brutal act has killed and injured many innocent people and I utterly condemn those who have carried it out. "My thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those affected." He added: "Around the world the UN works for peace, security and international cooperation and an attack on the UN is an attack on these principles. "We will be passing on condolences to the UN secretary general and President Jonathan. The UK stands ready to provide any assistance we can to the UN and Nigerian authorities to bring those responsible to justice." A suicide bomber driving an explosives-laden car killed at least 16 people on Friday at the United Nations compound in the Nigerian capital Abuja, according to Red Cross officials. Islamist group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attack in a phone call to the BBC, the broadcaster reported. The militia has been blamed for a string of recent attacks across the country. The car crashed through a security gate and was blown up near a main reception area, witnesses said. Though police would not confirm figures, Red Cross workers said at least 16 people were killed and dozens injured.