The House of Representatives has called on the government to immediately evacuate Nigerians in Ukraine back to safety following the dispute between the country and Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had in the early hours of Thursday, announced a military operation in Ukraine with explosions heard in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and other cities.
Putin had said the aim of the operation is to protect civilians in Ukraine.
In a motion moved by Ahmed Munir during the plenary on Thursday, he noted that Nigerian students in Ukraine could be caught in the crossfire.
Agreeing with the argument raised, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila said he would interact with the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema to evacuate Nigerians from Ukraine by Monday, February 28.
The Nigerian Embassy in Ukraine had asked Nigerian citizens residing in the embattled county to remain calm and take responsibility for their personal safety.
The statement read in part, “The Embassy urges Nigerian nationals resident in Ukraine to remain calm but be very vigilant and be responsible for their personal security and safety.
“The Embassy wishes to add that should any of Nigerian nationals considers the situation as emotionally disturbing, such nationals may wish to temporary relocate to anywhere considered safe by private arrangements. They should, however, ensure that they do all the needful to validate all their resident documents for ease of return to the country when desired.
“In addition, in case of students seeking such temporary relocation, they are enjoined to seek proper clearance and guarantee from their respective institutions, authorities/agents on the way forward in respect to their studies during this period and/or thereafter.
“For those who still consider it appropriate to remain in the country, be assured that the embassy remains open for its consular duties and responsibilities at all times. It will always avail you of updates when necessary.”
