Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, warned Nigerians on Thursday against relocating to Northern Cyprus due to human rights violations against Nigerians in the country.
She also warned that the country, which is only recognised by Turkiye, lacks robust mechanisms that would allow the Federal Government to seek justice for the deaths of several Nigerian students in the de facto state.
Dabiri-Erewa made the remarks at the 48th State House Ministerial Media Briefing, which was hosted by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Officially called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Northern Cyprus is a de facto state that comprises the northeastern portion of the island of Cyprus.
Recognised only by Turkiye, Northern Cyprus is largely considered by the United Nations and the international community to be part of the Republic of Cyprus.
Dabiri-Erewa who noted that several Nigerians are being maltreated and killed in the region said, “Think twice before going to Northern Cyprus. We can’t do much for Nigerians there. Our students are being killed daily.”
She added that every Nigerian stranded in Ukraine at the start of the conflict returned home safely.
Students psychologically affected by the conflict underwent proper counselling before continuing their education either online or onsite by enrolling into local Universities to continue their programmes.