The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, has urged Nigerians living in Lebanon to consider evacuating the country, amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, with Iran reportedly firing 180 ballistic missiles at Israel.
Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM’s spokesperson, made this call in a statement issued on Wednesday in response to rising attacks by Israeli forces on Hezbollah positions and other parts of Lebanon.
However, NiDCOM has urged Nigerians to utilize the available commercial flights, still operating, to ensure safe exit from the country.
The commission also highlighted that many Nigerians have already moved from the more dangerous southern regions to relatively safer areas.
NiDCOM, however, emphasized the need to remain vigilant and prioritize safety until ceasefire is announced.
“Worried by the attacks on Hezbollah and other areas in Lebanon by the Israeli government, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission hereby advises Nigerians resident in
Lebanon to consider leaving the country now that commercial flights are still in operation.
“Though information from the Nigerian community in Lebanon indicates that most Nigerians have relocated from the southern part and are now relatively safe, we advise them to stay safe until a ceasefire is in place,” the statement read in part.
Still speaking, the commission also expressed relief that no Nigerian citizen had been reportedly injured or affected by the conflict.
Advising Nigerians, NiDCOM reiterated the need to keep in touch with the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon for current safety updates and assistance.
“It is gratifying to note that, thus far, no Nigerian has witnessed any form of accident or injury, and we wish to advise them to continue to remain safe while the conflict lasts.
“Nigerians are equally advised to liaise with our embassy in Lebanon for necessary guidance regarding their safety, and be assured that their welfare and safety are of utmost concern to President Bola Tinubu,” they added.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Iran reportedly launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in response to the killings of Iran-backed militant leaders, sending Israelis to shelters and prompting alarm across the region.
According to reports gathered, the Israel Defense Forces said they had intercepted the 180 ballistic missiles launched by Iran at Israel on Tuesday evening.
On the other hand, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, took to his his handle @DOlusegun, on Tuesday evening, to tweet: “Alert! All Nigerians in Lebanon are expected to get in touch with the Nigerian mission for profiling, documentation, and subsequent evacuation.”
