Avoid Northern Cyprus, we can’t do much for Nigerians there – NiDCOM caution Nigerians
The Federal Government has warned Nigerians against visiting the contentious State of Northern Cyprus due to the country’s treatment of its citizens in violation of their human rights.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), revealed the information on Thursday at the weekly ministerial briefing held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and organized by the Presidential Communication Team.
Before visiting Northern Cyprus, think carefully. There isn’t much we can do for Nigerians. Daily murders of our students occur, according to Ms. Dabiri-Erewa. If you wish to travel, do so lawfully. Some people would claim that their fates are abroad, so travel wise.
Ms. Dabiri-Erewa further cautioned that the federal government would not be able to seek justice for multiple Nigerian students killed in the de facto State since Northern Cyprus, which is only recognized by Turkiye, lacks the necessary institutions.
This revelation comes almost a month after Turkish-based rights organizations and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) expressed concern about the mass trafficking of young Nigerians, mostly females and under the guise of educational scholarships, to Northern Cyprus.
“There is absolutely no legal framework that protects and assists human trafficking victims and there is no shelter. Hence, victims are often exploited for months with no access to law enforcement. Even in rare cases, they are rescued, they are left with no assistance and protection from the authorities,” Stella Nezan, the head of NAPTIP’s press and public relations unit, signed the statement.
