Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Nigeria has commiserated with the Russian Federation on the tragic attack in the Moscow concert hall claimed by the Islamic State.
In a message by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, said Nigeria standing with Russia in this difficult time.
“We convey our deepest condolences to the people and Government of the Russian Federation on the tragic attack carried out at the Crocus Concert Hall in Moscow that resulted in the death of innocent people and injuries to more than a hundred others.
“The Government and people of Nigeria commiserate with the victims of this tragic attack and pray for the repose of their souls. We also pray for the quick recovery of those injured.
“At this challenging time, we stand in brotherhood with the government and Russian Federation and send our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Russian president, His Excellency Vladimir Putin,” the message stated.
Russia on Saturday said it had arrested 11 people – including four gunmen – over the attack on a Moscow concert hall claimed by the Islamic State, as the death toll rose to 115.
Russian President, Vladimir Putin has vowed to punish all attackers who carried out the assault.
In a national address yesterday, Putin disclosed that the attackers were captured in their attempt to cross the border to the neigbouring war-torn Ukraine, but fumed that they and their sponsors would face the music of their actions.
The Russian leader condemned the action, while commending the efforts of medical practitioners, military personnel, paramilitary agents and ordinary citizens to rescue victims and restore calm in the country.
Meanwhile, the number of persons killed in the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, the Russian capital, is now 115.
Russia’s investigative committee shared the update yesterday afternoon, following an earlier announcement which indicated that the death toll had risen to 93.
After the shooting on Friday, the fatality figure was said to be 40, and Russian authorities had said the figure is expected to continue to increase.
The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the shooting.
Russian state news agency RIA said the attackers, who showed up in camouflage and without masks, allegedly fled in a white car that had a Renault symbol with a tinted rear window.
They were said to have shot at the crowd with automatic weapons and threw a grenade in the hall.
RIA said the upper floors of the hall were “completely destroyed” by the fire.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said it has detained some suspects over the incident.
“FSB Director Bortnikov reported to Putin on the detention of 11 people, all four terrorists directly involved in the terrorist attack,” the Kremlin said.
The Russian investigative committee said four suspects were detained in the Bryansk region near the border with Ukraine.
The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has condemned the attack and said it is ready to support the investigation.
