China condemns bomb attack in Nigeria

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Tuesday that China strongly condemns yesterday's bomb attack in Nigeria's capital city of Abuja.

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 authorities and police said Monday.

"China opposes terrorism in any form. We are shocked by the bomb attack leading to the casualties of innocent civilians and express deep condolences to the victims," Hua said in a daily press briefing.

As a strategic partner of Nigeria, China will continue to firmly support the government of Nigeria to make efforts to maintain national security and regional stability, Hua said.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday said that he was "shocked and saddened" by the deadly bomb attack and strongly condemned "all indiscriminate killings and acts of violent extremism."

According to Hua, the Chinese side did not receive any reports of Chinese casualties. The Chinese embassy in Nigeria has launched an emergency mechanism and reminded Chinese nationals and organizations in Nigeria to strengthen security precautions.