…Says over 20 Nigerian students killed in Northern Cyprus
The Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Thursday, warned Nigerians against moving to Northern Cyprus, due to the human rights abuses meted out to Nigerians in the country.
She also warned that the country, which is only recognised by Turkiye, does not have robust mechanisms that would enable the Federal Government to pursue justice for several Nigerian students killed in the de facto state.
Dabiri-Erewa said this at the 48th session of the State House Ministerial Media Briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Dabiri-Erewa who noted that several Nigerians are being maltreated and killed in the region said, “Think twice before going to Northern Cyprus. We can’t do much for Nigerians there. Our students are being killed daily.”
“Some people will tell you that their destinies are abroad but if you want to go, go legally.”
The NIDCOM Chairperson also said that about 20 Nigerian students have been killed in Northern Cyprus even though students have been warned to stay away from the place.
Hon. Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged the insecurity in parts of the country, noting however, that it is temporary even as she said that the federal government was doing all that is necessary to resolve the situation.
Also speaking on the evacuation of Nigerian students from Ukraine, Dabiri-Erewa said over 10,000 stranded students have been evacuated so far.According to her, every Nigerian stranded in Ukraine at the start of the conflict have returned home safely.
She also said students psychologically affected by the conflict have gone through proper counselling before continuing their education either online or on-site by enrolling into private universities in the country to continue their programmes.
“We do the work but we don’t get any form of extra money. There is a department in foreign affairs strictly for Ukraine but we did our own bit, there is a portal that if you want to continue your education…,” she added.
She however noted with delight that Nigerians in the Diaspora are making appreciable remittance to the country.
Hon. Dabiri-Erewa, appealed to Nigerians to desist from making any comments capable of tarnishing the image of the country.
