April 30 marks the anniversary of the terrorist attack carried out at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy (now the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University).

Axar.az reports that 17 years have passed since the tragedy.

On the morning of April 30, 2009, at around 9:30 a.m., an armed attacker entered the academy’s second building and opened fire with a Makarov pistol, shooting indiscriminately from the first to the sixth floor. As a result, students and faculty members were killed. Twelve people lost their lives, and 13 others were seriously injured.

Special police units, along with local law enforcement and prosecutor’s office officials, immediately arrived at the scene. Realizing he would be apprehended, the attacker took his own life.

Authorities identified the perpetrator as Farda Asad oglu Gadirov, a Georgian citizen born in 1980. A Makarov pistol, specially modified ammunition magazines, and additional ammunition were recovered from the scene.

Four other individuals found guilty in connection with the case were prosecuted and received appropriate sentences.

On May 1, 2009, President Ilham Aliyev signed an order to provide one-time financial assistance to the families of those killed and to those who were seriously injured. Under the order, each victim’s family received 30,000 manats, while each seriously injured person was given 15,000 manats.

Several measures have been taken to preserve the memory of the victims. A bas-relief dedicated to them was installed in the foyer of the building where the attack took place. The university also produced a documentary film titled “Bir sal yadina” (A Moment to Remember). Each year, the anniversary is marked with commemorative events at ADNSU.

Terrorism anywhere in the world is a tragedy for all of humanity. The international community must remain resolute in the fight against it and continue to promote awareness and education to prevent such acts in the future.