BY Ayodele Oluwafemi
The Nigerian embassy in Ukraine has asked Nigerians residing in Ukraine to remain calm and be responsible for their personal security amid the Russia invasion.
Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, had announced a special military operation in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
Shortly after Putin’s announcement, explosions were reportedly heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kramatorsk and in other parts of Ukraine.
Earlier, the Russian president had ordered troops into separatist-held parts of eastern Ukraine in what he called a “peacekeeping” mission — after signing decrees recognising the independence of the Moscow-backed regions.
The development has caused apprehension among Nigerians who are currently residing in Ukraine, especially students.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian embassy in Kiev, in a statement on Thursday, asked Nigerian nationals who want to temporarily relocate from Ukraine to ensure they validate their resident documents for ease of return.
The embassy added that it remains open for consular duties for Nigerians who decide to stay in Ukraine during the crisis.
“In view of this development, the embassy urges Nigerian nationals resident in Ukraine to remain calm but be very vigilant and be responsible for their personal security and safety,” the statement reads.
“The embassy wishes to add that should any 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.
”In addition, 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.”
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