Britain condemns bomb attack in Nigeria

British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Monday slammed the bomb attack in Nigeria's capital city Abuja, pledging continued British support for the African country, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office announced Monday. At least 71 people were killed and 124 others sustained injuries in the morning explosion which rocked a large motor park in Abuja, Nigerian emergency authority and police said Monday. "I was deeply saddened to hear of the bomb explosion in the east of Abuja. I unreservedly condemn those responsible and hope they are swiftly brought to justice," Hague said. "I offer the British government's deepest condolences to the bereaved and those who have suffered injury," the foreign secretary added. Hague said that Britain will continue to work closely with the Nigerian government to help them tackle the threat from terrorism. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but officials blamed the explosion on Boko Haram, a sect which has proved to be a major security threat in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country. Nigeria, with a population of about 170 million, is facing major security challenges which are crippling economic activities in some states.