By Ebi Kesiena
Amidst Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Federal Government of Nigeria has urged its citizens in Ukraine to remain calm, but very vigilant, and be responsible for their security and safety in the country.
In a statement issued by the Nigerian Embassy in Kiev, it urged Nigerian students seeking temporary relocation to seek proper clearance and guarantee form before relocating.
Recall that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin had announced the strike in a live televised speech that aired before 6 a.m. local time, threatening countries that attempt to interfere with “consequences they have never seen.”
According to him, NATO was threatening the existence of Russia and that to protect it, he is sending Russian military into Ukraine.
Immediately after the speech, explosions were reported in the capital city Kyiv, Kramatorsk, Kharkiv, Odessa and Mariupol. It wasn’t immediately clear what the targets were.
Putin also directly addressed Ukraine forces in his remarks, urging them to lay down their arms, according to a translation.
Reacting, the Embassy explained that any Nigerian who considers the crisis as emotionally disturbing, should temporarily relocate to anywhere they consider safe by “private arrangement.”
The Embassy advised all Nigerians to ensure that they validate all their resident documents for ease of return to the country when desired.
“The attention of the Embassy has been drawn to the declaration of state of emergency and Martial law on the entire territory of Ukraine except the Donestsk and Luhansk regions by the government of Ukraine, effective from midnight of February 23, 2022, for a period of 30 days, as well as the latest development on the Ukraine-Russia crises.
“In view of the development, the embassy urges Nigerian Nationals resident in Ukraine to remain calm but very vigilant and be responsible for their security and safety.
“The embassy wishes to add that should any Nigerian National consider the situation as emotionally disturbing, such National may temporarily relocate to anywhere considered safe by private arrangement. 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.
“Students seeking temporary relocation are enjoined to seek proper clearance and guarantee form from their respective institutions during this period.
“For those who are still considering it appropriate to remain in the country, be rest assured that the embassy remains open for its consular duties and responsibilities at all times.”
