No Nigerian citizen has been affected in the Lebanon, following escalation of hostility between the Israeli Defence Forces and Hezbollah, The Nation learnt .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Saturday, said the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been actively working to protect its nationals.
Besides, the statement which was signed by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe also confirmed that the government has set up machinery for emergency evacuation of Nigerians in Lebanon.
The statement reads:”Further to the deteriorating situation in Lebanon over the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the Federal Government has commenced preparation for evacuation of Nigerians in Lebanon back to Nigeria. The Government of Nigeria has taken measures to ensure the protection and safety of Nigerian nationals in the country.
“The Embassy of Nigeria in Lebanon issued regular advisories to the community with safety instructions and in August 2024 advised Nigerian nationals to strongly consider voluntary evacuation while the options of commercial flights remained available. Nigerian nationals in the South of Lebanon have also been evacuated to Beirut and other safer areas in collaboration with the leadership of the Nigerian community. It is pertinent to mention that no Nigerian life has been lost since the beginning of the conflict.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to reassure Nigerians that the Federal Government is engaging with relevant stakeholders and remains committed to the protection and safety of Nigerian nationals, as Government is making preparations to evacuate them back home.”
Already, no fewer than 200,000 people have fled Lebanon into neighbouring Syria “as a result of Israeli air strikes”, according to the UN.
An update from UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, says this number includes both Lebanese citizens and Syrians who were living in Lebanon. Figures from the Lebanese government put the total higher, at 300,000.
BBC also reported that an Israeli air strike hit near the main border crossing point between the two countries, effectively cutting off vehicle access.
Israel’s military claimed it hit Hezbollah targets near the Masnaa crossing, and earlier claimed the group was using it to smuggle weapons into Lebanon.
People continued to make the journey across the border on foot, with pictures showing families clambering over rubble to leave the country.
