A number of Nigerians caught in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran have called on the Federal Government to evacuate them immediately.
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH from various shelters in the conflict zones, many of the stranded citizens criticised the Nigerian government for its sluggish response, especially as other countries have begun evacuating their nationals.
“I feel abandoned,” one Nigerian student in Tehran said. “We’ve been underground for days now with limited supplies, and there’s no clear information from our embassy. Other countries are taking their people out. Why is Nigeria so slow?”
Another Nigerian based in Tel Aviv expressed frustration, stating that communication with Nigerian authorities has yielded little reassurance. “We just want to get out before it’s too late,” he added.
In response, the Federal Government said it was working on evacuating over 1,000 Nigerians trapped in both Iran and Israel but was awaiting border clearance and coordination with neighbouring countries.
