As the tension between Ukraine and Russia escalates with Russia’s early morning assault on Ukraine, Thursday, the House of Representative has offered to as a matter of urgency evacuate Nigerians and Nigerian students in Ukraine, insisting on taking full responsibility of the cost of the action.
The House Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs has arranged to fly to Ukraine on Friday with a special flight operation to evacuate the citizens.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama said the Nigerian Embassy in Kiev has been informed to contact those interested in returning home from other areas including Donesik and Luherisk to get in touch.
Onyeama assured Nigerians that the ministry is on top of the situation and promised to do everything for the safety of Nigerians in Ukraine, particularly students.
It would be recalled that the United States had earlier warned of an imminent invasion of Ukraine by Russia following the attack of military installations in Ukraine by Russia. Russia repeatedly denied any intent on its part to attack Ukraine.
Meanwhile the Nigerian Embassy in Kiev, amid the heightening crisis i Ukraine has advised Nigerian citizens in Ukraine to remain calm, but very vigilant and take responsibility for their personal security and safety.
According to the statement issued by the embassy on Thursday, “should any of the Nigerian nationals consider the situation as emotionally disturbing, such national may wish to temporary relocate to anywhere considered safe by private arrangements,” the statement read.
The embassy also advised Nigeria nationals to ensure that they do all that is needed to validate their resident documents for ease of return to the country when desired.