At least 71 people were killed today when a massive explosion tore through a bus station during Nigeria’s morning rush hour.

Police said 124 people were injured in Abuja’s bloodiest-ever terrorist attack.

President Goodluck Jonathan immediately pointed the finger at Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which has been threatening an attack on the capital from its base in the north-east.

There were differing accounts as to how the bomb was planted, with one official saying it had been buried in the earth and the emergency management agency claiming it was hidden in a vehicle.

It destroyed 16 luxury buses and 24 minibuses and cars, said police spokesman Frank Mba.

There was no immediate claim for the bombing, but bus stations are a favoured target of Boko Haram in its bloody campaign to set up an Islamic Nigerian state under Sharia law.

In March 2013, the extremists drove a car bomb into the main bus station in Nigeria’s second biggest city Kano, killing at least 25 people.

“The issue of Boko Haram is quite an ugly history within this period of our own development,” said Mr Jonathan.

“The government is doing everything to make sure that we move our country forward.

He added: “But the issue of Boko Haram is temporary. Surely, we will get over it.”

The president declared a state of emergency in north-east Nigeria last May and deployed thousands of troops to clear militants out of towns.

Governors and traditional leaders have called for an end to the operation, saying it has caused massive suffering.