Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the heinous attack on a concert held on Friday as an act of terrorism, promising to hold the perpetrators accountable. During a public address in Moscow on Saturday, he accused Ukraine of facilitating an escape route for the suspects, a claim vehemently denied by Kyiv.
Gunmen clad in camouflage attire unleashed gunfire on attendees at the Crocus City Hall concert near Moscow, an assault characterized by Russian media as one of the most severe in years. Videos circulating online depicted at least five assailants firing upon panicked concert-goers while the iconic Soviet-era rock group “Picnic” was set to perform.
Putin, in a televised speech lasting five minutes, acknowledged the apprehension of the attackers by Russian security services. He insinuated Ukrainian involvement in aiding their escape but stopped short of directly attributing the attack to Ukraine or the Islamic State, as suggested by American officials.
Despite Ukrainian denials and absence of evidence implicating them, Putin pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in combatting terrorism. He declared Monday a national day of mourning and announced heightened security measures across Russia to prevent further atrocities.
Meanwhile, Russia announced the arrest of 11 individuals, including the four suspected gunmen, while the death toll climbed to 133, making it one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in Russia’s modern history. Over 100 individuals, including children, sustained injuries, prompting a wave of international condolences from leaders worldwide, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, conveyed Nigeria’s solidarity with Russia, expressing heartfelt condolences to President Putin and the bereaved families. In this time of adversity, Nigeria stands united with the Russian Federation in mourning the victims and wishing swift recovery to the injured.
