In the wake of the intensifying conflict between the State of Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Nigerians residing in the country have started registering with the Nigerian Embassy in Beirut for evacuation.
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The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Eche Abu-Obe disclosed this in a statement on Saturday. The Spokesman said that about 500 Nigerians have registered, out of over 2,000 Nigerians estimated to be residents in Lebanon.
“”Presently, about 500 Nigerians have registered with the mission, however, there are more than 2,000 Nigerian citizens in the country.
“Even though most of them have not indicated a willingness to return home despite the persuasion by our embassy, we will continue to do everything to ensure the safety of our citizens,” the statement read in part.
President Tinubu has activated emergency evacuation protocols in response to the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon, the statement noted.
“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,” the statement added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all Nigerians living in Lebanon to cooperate with the evacuation, warning that the conflict may escalate further.
There has been no recorded death of a Nigerian in the conflict at the time of this report. The Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been working closely with community leaders to relocate citizens from southern Lebanon, the epicenter of the clashes, to the relatively safer capital, Beirut.
“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 epicenter 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 statement revealed.
“The safety and well-being of its citizens remains its top priority,” said the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s spokesperson.
Officials have however expressed concern over the hesitance of some citizens to leave but reassured that the government will continue to ensure their safety.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur
