A violent altercation which erupted at the Pournara reception centre area in Cyprus on Monday night involved groups of Nigerian and Syrian migrants, resulting in over 30 arrests and leaving two individuals injured, as confirmed by authorities in the country.
According to police reports, the clash between the Nigerian and Syrian groups escalated, prompting the intervention of law enforcement.
The situation spiralled to a point where police had to employ tear gas to quell the fighting, eventually managing to bring the confrontation under control.
Following the incident, Cyprus interior minister Constantinos Ioannou was promptly notified and, in response, issued orders for the immediate arrest and deportation of all individuals involved in the conflict.
While police verified the arrest of 33 individuals related to the altercation, local media outlets indicated the possibility of more arrests beyond the confirmed number. Those injured in the fighting were swiftly transported to Nicosia General Hospital for necessary medical treatment.
Subsequent developments revealed Ioannou’s directive for an increased presence of asylum application agents at Pournara. These agents assessed the asylum applications of those involved in the altercation.
Notably, Ioannou stressed the urgency of expediting the assessment of the Nigerians’ asylum applications to facilitate their swift deportation.
Recall that the Nigerian internet sensation duo, popularly known as ‘Happie Boys’, were recently deported from Cyprus.
