The Nigerian federal government has issued a warning to Nigerians trapped in Sudan to avoid dangerous trips to the borders as a means of escaping the country.
The government’s advice was given in a joint statement signed by Janet Olisa, a director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, a permanent secretary in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.
The statement expressed concern over the “dire humanitarian situation” in Sudan and sympathized with the civilian population caught in the ongoing crisis between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The statement noted that plans are being made to evacuate stranded citizens and asked for calm and constant communication.
“The ministers, therefore, urge parents to advise their wards that while concerted efforts are being made to evacuate them, the students should endeavor to remain calm and maintain constant communication with officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan for instructions and updates,” the statement reads.
“They can reach the embassy Officials on the following telephone numbers, +2348035866773, +249961956284, +2348063636862, +249961956274, +2349066663493.
“Furthermore, they are also advised to guard against undertaking the treacherous journey to the borders on their own, in view of the dangers involved.”
Earlier, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), had announced that the government had requested a safe corridor for the evacuation of Nigerian students.
The evacuation will begin on Tuesday by buses to the borders of Egypt before being airlifted to Nigeria. However, she warned against taking alternative routes, saying they were putting themselves in harm’s way without adequate security.
The ministries of foreign affairs and humanitarian affairs reiterated Dabiri-Erewa’s assurances, urging citizens to remain calm and avoid dangerous trips to the borders.
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