China today reiterated its commitment to firmly support the Nigerian government as Chinese leaders condemned the bomb attack in the capital city of Abuja on Monday, which killed 71 people.

Hua Chunying, the Foreign Ministry spokesman,  said China was shocked and saddened by the bomb attack in Nigeria's capital that resulted to the death of innocent civilians and the injuries of 124 others.

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The explosion occurred Monday morning in a a bus station near the Nyanya market in the city, authorities and police said. Nigerian police spokesman Frank Mba said a suicide bomber drove his car into the bus station then detonated the explosive in the vehicle. A dozen buses were also destroyed in the explosion.

Hundreds of people were in the most populous area of the bus station, near the Nyanya market. Witnesses said the explosion created several pits on the ground and also destroyed several parked cars.

The Chinese embassy in Nigeria has not received reports of any Chinese victims in the explosion.

Hua said China opposes any form of terrorism and described the incident as an act of violent extremism. China, he said, will stand by Nigeria to ensure that national security and regional stability will be maintained.

"The Chinese government expressed deep condolences to the innocent victims," said Hua during a regular press conference.

The Chinese embassy in Nigeria has already issued warning to Chinese nationals and organizations in the country and has launched an emergency mechanism that will strengthen security following the bomb attack.

The United Nations and various countries around the world were also shocked and saddened by the incident in Nigeria.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the United Nations strongly condemns all indiscriminate killings. British Foreign Secretary William Hague condemned the bomb attack and pledged continued British support for Nigeria.