Parents of Nigerian students in Ukraine have protested at the Russian Embassy in Abuja, calling for peace in the Slavic nations.
“Peace,” the parents, who carried placards, echoed as they sued for a resolution between Ukraine and Russia.
“We want peace in Ukraine,” one of the protesting parents said. “We want our children to study well.”
Monday’s protest was triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Hundreds of people have fled the country since Vladimir Putin launched the attack on its neighbours.
The Nigerian government had in the wake of the invasion rolled out plans to evacuate its citizens from Ukraine, although many faulted their move for being belated. In a statement on Sunday evening, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs said 256 Nigerians have so far left Ukraine.
“We assure Nigerians that all hands are on deck and arrangements are being put in place to effectively evacuate our citizens, in safety and dignity,” the ministry said.
Earlier, the presidency had condemned reports of officials barring Nigerians from leaving the country to neighbouring nations. It described the development as “unfortunate”.
“We understand the pain and fear that is confronting all people who find themselves in this terrifying place,” a presidential aide, Garba Shehu, said in a statement issued on Sunday.
“We also appreciate that those in official positions in security and border management will in most cases be experiencing impossible expectations in a situation they never expected. But, for that reason, it is paramount that everyone is treated with dignity and without favour.
“All who flee a conflict situation have the same right to safe passage under UN Convention and the colour of their passport or their skin should make no difference.”