Moscow attack: You are not alone, Fani-Kayode, Pantami tell Russia

Nigeria’s former minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has led some former top government officials, including Professor Isa Pantami (former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy) on a condolence visit to the Embassy of Russia in Abuja following the attack on a concert hall in a Moscow suburb.

The Islamic State (IS) jihadist group said Saturday that four of its militants carried out the attack that Russian authorities said killed at least 137 people.

Speaking during the visit, Fani-Kayode said “We have suffered from similar issues in the recent past. We join faith with you and also reach out to you with our hearts to commemorate with you and express our on behalf of millions of Nigerians.

“We acknowledged the critical role that you have played in the development of our country…and we want you to be rest assured that in this difficult time and indeed, over the months and years, Russia is not alone and has not been alone. You have many, many friends here in Nigeria,” Fani-Kayode said.

Fani-Kayode urged the Russian government also to identify those who were behind the attack and bring them to book.

Also speaking, Pantami conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the delegation to the President and people of Russia over the tragedy.

“We stand by you, we stand by humanity, we always stand for peace, we stand for justice and we do hope that this is the last calamity that will happen in the country and we will continue to pray for your country, for our country and also for peace, stability and prosperity all over the world,” Pantami said.

The ambassador of Russia to Nigeria, Alexey Shebarshin, said four of the suspects had been arrested near the Ukrainian border, adding that there was no conclusive information as the investigation was still ongoing.

He assured that President Vladimir Putin is following up with the investigation, saying the outcome would be made public.

While thanking them for the visit, he called for combined efforts to defeat terrorists.

Also in the delegation were a former Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Senator Basheer Lado Garba Mohammed; Senator Mohammed Hassan who represented Yobe South Senatorial District; a former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon Farouk Adamu Aliyu, and the Campaign spokesperson for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Eastern part of the country during the 2023 presidential election, Joseph Onoh.