As the conflict between Israel and Iran deepens, hundreds of Nigerians caught in the crossfire are urgently appealing for evacuation. With missiles pounding major cities, many have sought refuge in bomb shelters scattered across Israel.
Escalation and Loss
The violence erupted last Friday when Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure in Iran. The death toll has already surpassed 260, including at least 70 women and children. Among the dead are high-ranking Iranian military officials, including General Mohammad Bagheri and IRGC commander Hossein Salami.
Iran retaliated on June 13 by firing over 100 ballistic missiles at Israeli cities. Tel Aviv home to many Nigerians and the Nigerian Embassy was among the hardest hit.
Living in Fear
Most Nigerians in Israel live in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, now under near-constant missile alerts. Daily life has come to a standstill, and fear is growing among the stranded population.
“We are hiding in bomb shelters. It’s dangerous to even answer phone calls right now,” said Ekene Abaka, a Nigerian living in Tel Aviv.
A Nigerian resident in Jerusalem, who requested anonymity, described the situation bluntly.
“The Nigerian Embassy is shut. We’re on our own. Most of the missiles hit Tel Aviv, where most Nigerians live. We are terrified and desperate.”
A viral video from Travels Vlog shows Nigerians racing through the streets as sirens wail. “I didn’t grab my water. The missiles have landed!” one man shouted, as the group scrambled to find an open shelter after finding one locked.
Travels Vlog host Solomon explained that Israeli authorities send alerts via text roughly 10 minutes before missile impacts, giving residents precious moments to seek safety.
Other Nations Evacuate as Nigeria Waits
While countries like the US, Germany, China, Greece, and Slovakia have begun evacuating their citizens, Nigeria has yet to move any nationals out of the region. China alone has evacuated more than 1,600 people from Iran and several hundred from Israel.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is awaiting clearance from Armenia to bus more than 1,000 citizens from Tehran to Yerevan, where evacuation flights will depart once approved.
“We’re working with Iranian and Armenian authorities to finalize safe passage,” said ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa. “The buses are ready we’re just waiting for the green light at the border.”
He advised stranded Nigerians to stay safe and await updates through official channels.
Mounting Economic Pressure
The war has also triggered a financial crisis for many Nigerians in Israel. With businesses, schools, and public institutions shut down, daily survival has become a struggle.
“In Israel, we pay rent monthly and get paid hourly. Now, everything’s closed no work, no income. People are worried about how they’ll afford food or rent,” said one Nigerian. He criticized the Nigerian Embassy for what he described as a lack of support.
“They only handle paperwork. In this crisis, we’ve been completely abandoned.”
An Urgent Plea
As foreign governments race to protect their citizens, Nigerians remain trapped in a growing warzone, sheltering underground, often without clear guidance or aid. As the missiles keep falling and shelters grow more crowded, the call for immediate intervention grows ever more urgent.
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