Nigerian students are still trapped in Khartoum, Sudan amidst the ongoing deadly fighting in the Northeast African country.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the Federal Government has disclosed that 40 buses are on the ground and ready to transport the students from Khartoum to Cairo, as preparations are being made to evacuate approximately 5,500 stranded Nigerians out of Sudan via the Egyptian town of Luxor.
The Nigerian government has sought the support of Egypt to ensure a safe transfer of the stranded Nigerians.
The Embassy of Nigeria in Sudan made a formal request in a letter dated April 23, 2023, signed by the Charge D’ Affairs, Haruna Garko, for buses to convey students from Khartoum to Cairo on Tuesday at 6 am.
The letter read “I am directed to request the services of your 200 seater buses to convey 3500 Nigerian students from Khartoum to Cairo Egypt on 25 April 2023, at 6 am in the morning.”
This move comes as other foreign countries rush to evacuate their nationals from Sudan amidst the ongoing deadly fighting between forces loyal to two rival generals.
Many foreigners have fled the capital city of Khartoum in a long United Nations convoy, while millions of frightened residents have taken refuge inside their homes, with many running low on basic supplies such as water and food. The city of five million has become a battleground with army and paramilitary troops engaging in ferocious street battles since April 15, leaving behind charred tanks, gutted buildings, and looted shops.
Speaking with the Punch on Tuesday, a student who pleaded anonymous said “We are still in Khartoum. The Embassy has moved the time to 12pm. I am afraid that the Embassy might change their mind.
The President of the Jigawa State Students Association in Sudan, Umar Abubakar, said, “we are yet to move.”
In a forwarded message sent to the students and sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday read “Hello all. Please due some logistics issues there will be delay for the take up as earlier announced.
“Once arrangements are concluded, we will announced.
“Therefore, people should endeavour to stay where they are in the interim. But we assure you we are going by the grace of God.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
The United Nations has reported that over 420 people have been killed and thousands wounded amidst fears of a humanitarian disaster in one of the world’s poorest nations.
