The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), received 708 stranded Nigerians from Niamey in the Niger Republic. As reported by ALO360 officials welcomed the returnees on Monday at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano. Consequently the Federal Government coordinated the voluntary evacuation to bring citizens home safely.
NEMA Officials Lead Reception
Dr Nura Abdullahi coordinated the operation as head of operations at the National Emergency Management Agency Kano office. Moreover his team commenced physical verification and profiling right after the 12 buses arrived at 4:08 pm.
In addition representatives from the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons and other agencies joined the reception. Therefore all stakeholders ensured smooth documentation.
Returnees Receive Humanitarian Support
Dr Nura Abdullahi confirmed the immediate assistance. “They have also been given blankets mosquito nets and dignity kits containing toiletries wrappers sanitary pads and other essentials” he stated.
Furthermore medical personnel from the Nigerian Red Cross provided treatment on site. As a result officials referred severe cases to state health facilities. In addition the group received food and temporary shelter.
Breakdown Shows Diverse Origins
The returnees comprised 292 male adults and children plus 416 female adults and children. Consequently many came from Kano Jigawa Katsina and other states including Benue Borno Yobe Zamfara Kaduna Kogi and Niger.
Hajiya Luba Liman explained the context as Kano field coordinator of the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons. “This is a whole-of-government approach” she noted.
Moreover the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Niamey facilitated the evacuation. Therefore the process supported citizens who could not afford to return on their own.
Returnees Recount Ordeal
Some returnees shared their experiences. Malam Kamalu Abdullahi from Kaduna described the violence. “I woke up one morning hearing people shouting fire fire. My house and those of other Nigerians were set ablaze. When I came out I was attacked and told to leave the country” he recounted.
In addition Rabi’a Inusa a mother of three from Jigawa detailed her hardship. “I was sleeping on the streets. I was directed to a camp for voluntary returnees. I spent over N100000 on transport when I was travelling to Niamey and returned home with nothing” she said.
