Ngozi James
Some Nigerians have finally been able to gain entry into Poland, after days of being stranded as conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalates.
Nigerians and other Africans were previously denied entry. A video clip by the PUNCH showed several Nigerians that successfully made into Poland. A distraught parent also confirmed to Global Sentinel that his Son and some other successfully made it into Romania.
But, more Nigerians are still inside Ukraine, looking to escape the troubled nation. After announcing plans to evacuate citizens form the crisis zone, the Nigerian government is however yet to begin the process.
According to Ukraine’s government, an estimated 4,000 Nigerians are studying in tertiary institutions across Ukraine in 2020, the highest number of African nationals there, along with Morocco.
Again, the federal government on Saturday said it has made necessary arrangements to evacuate stranded Nigerians in Ukraine to Poland. It has listed four borders in Ukraine where its citizens seeking to leave the country can be evacuated.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa,
listed the borders are Hrebenne-Rawa Ruska, Korczowa-Krakowiec, Medyka-Szeginie and Budomierz-Hurszew.
Dabiri-Erewa said Nigerians in Poland can contact the following phone lines for assistance: +48 739400001, 729467341, +48729560 416, +48508182948, +48729690481 and +2348033372086.
Also, the Embassy of Nigeria in Warsaw, Poland, in a public notice, said officials and volunteers would be at the Polish-Ukrainian borders to pick up Nigerians.
On February 24, Russia attacked Ukraine in what could be the start of war in Europe over Russia’s demands for an end to NATO’s eastward expansion.
The conflict took another dimension on Thursday when Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, ordered troops into Ukraine.
On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at least 137 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians have been killed since the Russian invasion began.
The death toll has reportedly risen to 198 with over 1,000 said to have been wounded.
Death Toll Hits 198, over 1,000 Wounded
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has said 198 civilians have been killed in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
The Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko, who made the disclosure yesterday, said three children were among those who died — according to Ukrinform, the country’s news agency.
He said 1,115 people were wounded, including 33 children.
“According to operational data, we have 198 dead at the hands of the gunpowder, including three children, 1,115 injured, 33 of which were children,” he said.