Ukraine-Russia War: Nigerian Gov’t to begin evacuation of 2,000 Nigerians
Story from Aliyu Muhammad NURA, Abuja
The Federal Government will from Wednesday begin the evacuation of about 2,000 Nigerians who have fled the war in Ukraine to neighbouring countries.
Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, the Foreign Affairs Minister, said yesterday after a meeting with the leadership of the House of Representatives, that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the plan to rescue Nigerians from Ukraine.
The evacuation is expected to take place in countries neighbouring Ukraine, which is still at war with Russia and has a no-fly zone.
The Minister in an interview said that evacuation flights to Nigeria is expected to commence from Ukraine’s neighbouring countries this week, via Air Peace and Max Air.
Quoting the minister Ogunlesi said that “There are about 5,600 Nigerian students in Ukraine, and a total of around 8,000 Nigerians in all.
“There are currently 1,000 Nigerians who have now crossed into Romania from Ukraine. They will be airlifted in the coming days.
Read also: Russia’s Ukraine invasion: World leaders to impose tougher sanctions on Russia (photos+videos)
Many Nigerian students in Ukraine have called for help in leaving the conflict hotspot.
The nation’s embassy in Ukraine initially asked citizens to take responsibility for their own security but reversed course as the crisis worsened.
Nigeria has set up camps in the countries where its citizens have been directed to move into.
“The camp is well organised with beds and beddings, food, heating, clothing, and medicals for evacuees,” the foreign affairs minister said.
“We assure Nigerians that all hands are on deck and arrangements are being put in place to effectively evacuate our citizens, in safety and dignity.”
The government’s move is in response to the protests by parents of Nigerian students in Ukraine.
The Presidential spokesman also noted that not all the Nigerians in Ukraine may want to leave or be evacuated, citing that the Federal Government is saying all those who want to, and are able to make their way out, to a neighbouring country will be evacuated.
