As the conflict in Sudan continues to escalate, the hopes of 1,700 Nigerian students who expressed their desire to return home have been put on hold by the Federal Government. Despite the increasing number of students seeking evacuation, the government has yet to provide a clear timeline for their safe return.
According to government officials, the current state of affairs in Sudan has posed a significant challenge to the safe evacuation of Nigerian nationals who are currently stranded in the country.
According to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, despite the efforts of the Nigerian Mission in Sudan and the National Emergency Management Agency to evacuate Nigerian citizens, the ongoing war has made it impossible for any flights to take place at this time.
According to a statement released on Friday, Gabriel Odu from the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NIDCOM confirmed this information.
According to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Nigerian students and citizens stranded in Sudan are facing a difficult situation. Despite efforts by the Nigerian Mission in Sudan and the National Emergency Management Agency to evacuate them, the current tense situation has made it extremely risky and impossible for any flights to take off. Dabiri-Erewa noted that the aircrafts parked at the airport in Sudan were burnt on Thursday morning, further complicat
According to Dabiri-Erewa, there are efforts being made by humanitarian organisations to deliver essential supplies such as food, water, and medical aid to those in need.
In a recent statement, she urged the warring factions to prioritise the Juba Peace Agreement, which was put forth by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, as a crucial means of achieving peace and stability in the nation.
Nigerian students left stranded amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 1,700 Nigerian students have made a plea to the Federal Government for evacuation from the Republic of Sudan. The country is currently experiencing a violent military conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary group, Rapid Support Force. The conflict has resulted in the loss of 400 lives and left 3,500 people injured.
The number of individuals who have filled the evacuation form has risen from 1,262, as reported by The PUNCH on Friday, to an undisclosed figure. This increase occurred between Wednesday night and the present time.
The ongoing violence in Khartoum has resulted in the displacement of numerous civilians who have fled the capital. Several foreign nations, such as Japan, Uganda, and Tanzania, have initiated the evacuation of their citizens as the clashes, which began on April 8, continue into their 13th day as of Friday.
For a considerable period, the Sudanese Armed Forces, under the leadership of General Abdel al-Burhan, and the RSF paramilitary group, headed by General Mohamed Dagalo, maintained a close alliance.
According to data obtained by Saturday PUNCH from Adam Mohammed, the Secretary-General of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Sudan, a total of 455 Nigerian students completed the evacuation form between Thursday night and Friday.
At the time of reporting, it has been confirmed that 1,717 Nigerian students have completed the evacuation form.
According to Mohammed, there has been no communication from the Federal Government regarding their plan to evacuate the students.
According to the secretary-general, approximately 12,000 Nigerian students are currently pursuing their education in Sudan. The majority of these students are presently in Nigeria for the Ramadan holidays, as academic activities are suspended during this period until after Eid.
According to Umar Abubakar, the President of Jigawa State Students Association in Sudan, Nigerian students residing in Mujahideen, Khartoum are reportedly leaving their homes due to the ongoing heavy gunshots in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum.
On Friday, one of our correspondents received a voice note from Abubakar, in which loud gunshots could be heard in the background. Abubakar reported that his colleagues were prepared to be evacuated.
Following the morning prayer, we are currently fleeing for our safety. Amidst the sound of gunshots in the background, the individual made a solemn statement, urging the public to pray for them. The gravity of the situation cannot be understated.
Abubakar reported that he had found a secure location and stated, “I have secured a safe place and am currently doing well.” As of now, there have been no reported injuries. During a recent incident, a shocking discovery was made by a group of individuals who were on the run. As they were fleeing, a bullet unexpectedly landed in front of them, causing great alarm. To their surprise, upon seeking shelter, they stumbled upon several additional bullets in the vicinity. The situation was truly harrowing and left the group in disbelief.
Amidst the chaos, eyewitnesses reported that individuals were seen fleeing in various directions. However, according to sources, approximately 90% of Nigerian students are currently pursuing their studies in the capital city of Khartoum.
The individual reported seeking refuge in a nearby town deemed to be secure, however, the living conditions are still less than ideal. What about those sisters who are unable to cope with the challenges and uncertainties?
Today, a group of colleagues from Djibouti were evacuated after the Eid, while citizens from Kenya, Indonesia, and several other countries are preparing for their own evacuations.
According to Al-Ameen Ahmad, the President of Nasarawa State Students Association in Sudan, the International University of Africa, located behind the military barracks, has been experiencing continuous gunshots, causing students to lose sleep at night.
According to Ahmad, he had trouble sleeping last night. Many individuals are expressing their hope for an end to the current situation through prayer. Nigerians in this location are reportedly experiencing a state of being stranded, with uncertainty as to where they should turn for assistance.
Nearly 100 female students have been relocated from their hostel to a conference hall within the school premises, deemed to be a more secure location.
According to a recent update, students are continuing to complete the form, and efforts are being made to assist those who do not have access to a smartphone, although their numbers are limited.
Halilu Mohammad, a University of Garden City graduate, has reported a positive living experience in Soba Hilla, which is located just 20 minutes away from the International University Africa.
According to Mohammad, he is currently not facing any issues in his area of residence. However, he has reported hearing the sounds of bombs and gunfire nearby.
According to sources, a number of students are reportedly leaving their current location due to safety concerns stemming from a lack of electricity and water, as well as issues with hunger.
The Federal Government has made a request to evacuate Nigerians, particularly students, who are currently trapped in the conflict zone in Sudan. This decision was made after a thorough appraisal of the situation in the country.
The statement emphasised the need for a cessation of hostilities in order to facilitate the safe departure of individuals from other countries.
According to an official who preferred to remain anonymous, “Unlike those countries that are evacuating their citizens, we do not have airlines.” This was revealed during a conversation with our correspondent. Have the names been compiled to determine the number of individuals prepared for evacuation? According to the speaker, Nigeria is a country of significant size and importance compared to others. What is the difference in the number of people being evacuated between the two groups? According to the source, proper planning is crucial.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 413 individuals have lost their lives.
According to the World Health Organisation’s latest report, the death toll in the ongoing Sudan conflict has reached 413 as of Friday.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, the ongoing conflict in Sudan is having a devastating impact on the country’s children. The organisation warns that if the violence persists, the toll on children will only continue to rise.
Last Saturday, clashes broke out between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in and around the capital city of Khartoum.
According to the latest figures released by the government of Sudan, the ongoing conflict has resulted in the loss of 413 lives and left 3,551 individuals injured. This information was relayed by Margaret Harris, a spokesperson for the World Health Organisation, during a recent United Nations press conference.
Ongoing clashes between the country’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have resulted in continued fighting.
According to Haris, there have been a total of 11 verified attacks on health facilities, with 10 of them occurring since April 15.
As per the Ministry of Health in Sudan, the number of non-functional health facilities has reached 20, as stated by the source. As per the Ministry of Health’s latest figures, a total of 12 health facilities are at risk of shutting down.
The situation implies that not only those who have suffered injuries due to the ongoing conflict, but also those who require medical attention for pre-existing conditions are affected. This includes individuals who require ongoing treatment and care.
According to UNICEF, the ongoing hostilities in Khartoum, the Darfur, and North Kordofan have resulted in the deaths of at least nine children, with over 50 children sustaining injuries.
