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By Emmanuel Adeleke
The Nigerian government has urged its citizens in Ukraine to protect themselves.
Nigerian embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, stated this in a statement shared on Twitter by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), on Thursday.
The statement enjoined Nigerians resident in Ukraine to remain calm, vigilant and be responsible for their personal security and safety.
Thousands of Nigerians live in Ukraine, many of whom are students in various higher institutions in the country.
There are over 4,000 Nigerian students studying in the Eastern European country, according to official records.
The statement also asked students seeking temporary relocation to seek proper clearance.
“In case of students seeking such temporary relocation, they are enjoined to seek proper clearance and guarantee from their respective institutions, authorities/agents on the way forward in respect to their studies during this period and/or thereafter.
“For those who still consider it appropriate to remain in the country, be assured that the embassy remains open for its consular duties and responsibilities at all times. it will always avail you of updates when necessary,” it added.
It further advised Nigerians who do not feel safe in their current locations to make private arrangements to move to places they consider safer.
“The embassy wishes to add that should any of Nigerian nationals consider the situation as emotionally disturbing, such nationals may wish to temporarily relocate to anywhere considered safe by private arrangements. They should, however, ensure that they do all the needful to validate all their resident documents for ease of return to the country when desired,” it said.
Nigerian students in Ukraine have lamented the absence of information or assurances from the Nigerian government or the mission in Kyiv.
Also, some Nigerian students, who spoke on Twitter Space, alleged that the Nigerian Ambassador to Ukraine, Shina Alege, has fled the country.
Ukranians are fleeing the country heading west to keep safe. Banks are closed while malls are being cleared by panic buyers looking to stock up due to the emergency situation in the country.