The Federal Government has advised Nigerians studying in war-torn Sudan to disregard the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), plans to evacuate them to Ethiopia.
In an issued statement yesterday by the Charge D’ Affairs of the Nigerian Embassy in Khartoum, H .Y. Garko, the Federal Government urged the students to maintain their composure as preparations were being made to evacuate them from the North African country.
The NANS had, in an issued statement by its media committee directed the students to gather in Gadarif for their evacuation to neighbouring Ethiopia. The student body said that the shuttle would cost $100 per person and would depart Gadarif at 1:00 p.m. yesterday.
However, the Government, in its response, warned Nigerians that a trip across the Sudanese borders without authorization is risky.
Part of the statement read: “As the Embassy had earlier informed students, you are therefore requested to stay calm and remain indoors, while the Embassy is working on final approval to commence evacuation. The embassy wishes to reassure the Nigerian students that their safety and wellbeing is of priority concern”.
At least 413 people had been killed and more than 3,500 injured since the fighting began between military units loyal to Sudanese President, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his estranged deputy, Mohammed Hamdan Daglo, last week.
The Federal Government had on Saturday set up a committee to rescue Nigerians trapped in Sudan.
