By Joy Odor
The former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode on Tuesday challenged the Russian government to as a matter of Urgency identify those who were behind the attack at crocus city hall in Moscow by four gunmen killing over 137 people and bring them to book.
Fani-Kayode gave the challenge when he led some former top government officials, including former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami on a condolence visit to the Embassy of Russia in Abuja following the attack.
Speaking during the visit, the former Aviation Minister informed that Nigeria acknowledged the critical role Russia have played in the development of the country and assured that in this difficult time, Russia is not alone and has not been alone.
He commensurate with them and express his sympathy on behalf of millions of Nigerians, noting that Nigeria have suffered from similar issues in the recent past.
Contributing, Isa Pantami conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the delegation to the President Vladimir Putin and the 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.
Responding, the Ambassador of Russia to Nigeria, Alexey Shebarshin affirmed that four of the suspects had been arrested near the Ukrainian border.
He said there was no conclusive information as the investigation was still ongoing, assuring that President Vladimir Putin is following up with the investigation, saying the outcome would be made public.
While thanking the delegation for the visit, the Ambassador 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.
