Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan visited outskirts of the capital, Abuja, where a terrorist bomb exploded, killing at least 71 people.  He suggested the Islamist militant group Boko Haram was responsible, although there’s been no claim of responsibility.

“We console with our country men and women, we will continue to work very hard,” said President Jonathan hours after the blast.  “The issue of Boko Haram attacks is quite an ugly history within this period of our own development.  We will do everything to make sure that we move our country forward.  These are unnecessary distractions that are pushing us backward,” he added.

The blast occurred in a crowded bus terminal after 7:00 in the morning, local time (Warning:  Some of these images are gruesome and not suitable for younger and more sensitive viewers).  In addition to 71 killed, 124 people are recovering from various injuries, and dozens of luxury coaches and minibuses were destroyed. 

If it is the work of Boko Haram, it’s a sign the group has expanded its reach into the capital, far beyond the corner of Northeastern Nigeria that it wants to cleave off and turn into its own separatist state ruled by a draconian version of Sharia law.