Federal Government has promised to embark on the evacuation of Nigerians living in Ukraine as soon as the airports in the country are opened.
The promise was made on Thursday in a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, following the invasion of Ukraine by neighbouring Russia.
Many Nigerians had earlier slammed Federal Government after Nigerian Embassy in Ukraine asked Nigerians to remain calm and protect themselves.
Reacting to the outrage, members of the House of Representatives demanded an immediate evacuation of Nigerians in Ukraine, offering to shoulder the responsibility.
The Federal Government has now assured Nigerians of its commitment to ensuring the safety of the lives of citizens living in Ukraine.
Omayuli added that measures were actually being taken to safeguard the lives of Nigerians in Ukraine.
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The spokesperson stated;
The Federal Government of Nigeria has received with surprise, reports of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been reassured by the Nigerian Embassy in Ukraine of the safety of Nigerians in that country.
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She added;
And measures are being taken to keep them safe and facilitate the evacuation of those who wish to leave. The Federal Government wishes to assure families with loved ones in Ukraine that as soon as the airports in the country are opened, it will assist in facilitating the evacuation of Nigerians who are willing to leave. In the meantime, the Nigerian Mission has confirmed that military action by the Russians has been confined to military installations.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
PRESS RELEASE pic.twitter.com/26abmNB3Cz
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria 🇳🇬 (@NigeriaMFA) February 24, 2022
Earlier on Thursday, Russian’s President, Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, in defiance to call for dialogue.
The attack came after weeks of speculation about a possible attack on Ukraine by Russia amid growing tension over Ukraine’s attempt to join NATO.
The attack has elicited condemnation from the international community, but Putin says there will be “severe consequences” if foreign powers interfere.
