Some Nigerians Unwilling To Leave Lebanon As Conflicts Escalates – FG
… About 500 Persons Register
The Federal government has said that some Nigerians have not considered voluntary evacuation from Lebanon despite the persuasion of the embassy to help them return safely back to the country.
In a statement on Saturday night, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, said about 500, out of over 2000 Nigerians residing in the country, have so far registered to be evacuated.
He therefore urged all Nigerians in Lebanon to consider the evacuation plans and return home as the government is concerned about their safety.
The statement reads in parts, “In this connection, the Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced evacuation procedures for Nigerian citizens living in Lebanon, following the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
“The Administration of HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, wishes to reiterate that the safety and well- being of its citizens remains its top priority. In the light of the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon, the Government has activated emergency protocols to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of our citizens back home as soon as possible.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Presidency, National Emergency Management Agency, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and other relevant bodies, is coordinating the evacuation exercise to ensure the safe return of Nigerians from Lebanon.
“Our Embassy in Beirut has been issuing several advisories since the conflict started for our citizens to stay indoors and follow local authorities’ instructions as well as appeal to those who have not registered with the Embassy, to do so through Email: info@mfa.gov.ng.
“Presently, about 500 Nigerians have registered with the Mission, however, there are more than 2000 Nigeria citizens residing in the country. Even though most of them have not indicated willingness to return home in spite of the persuasion by our Embassy, we will continue to do everything to ensure the safety of our citizens.
“The Ministry is pleased to report that no life has been lost. In view of the commendable efforts made by the Embassy, working in concert with the leadership of the Nigerian community to evacuate fellow Nigerians from southern Lebanon the epicentre of the conflict to Beirut, the Administration of President Tinubu is making arrangements to send a C- 130 Aircraft or any other available flight for the evacuation exercise.
“The Nigerian government urges all citizens living In Lebanon not to resist evacuation because the ongoing conflict may escalate and appeals for cooperation with the evacuation process and to follow safety guidelines. Nigeria appreciates the understanding of the international community and will continue to monitor the situation.
It would be recalled that the Federal government on Tuesday, announced plans to commence evacuation of citizens from Lebanon
Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun who made this known on Tuesday, in a tweet on X through his handle, urged all Nigerians living within Lebanon, “to get in touch with the Nigerian mission for profiling, documentation and subsequent evacuation.”
The evacuation has become expedient after ongoing attacks and reprisals between Iran and Israel in the last few days, leading to growing concerns of a regional crisis.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netantahu, has vowed that his country will continue to attack her enemies to protect the country’s sovereignty.
Some Nigerians Unwilling To Leave Lebanon As Conflicts Escalates – FG is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
