Nigerians are furious, believe Tinubu is waging war against them – Nigerians fleeing Niger

Some Nigerians who fled the Republic of Niger after the coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum’s administration and the Economic Community of West African States’ approaching military action against the junta explain to ANIMASAHUN SALMAN how the ECOWAS intervention will effect them.

What is your occupation in the Niger Republic and where do you live?

You can call me Umar Abubakar. I am a native of Kebbi State who now lives in Agadez in the Niger Republic and own a furniture company.

Why specifically did you travel to Illela in Sokoto State?

Due to the increased tension on the ground as a result of the Economic Community of West African States’ decision, I am currently living here (in Illela) and have left my place of employment in the Niger Republic.

There was some tension following President Mohamed Bazoum’s removal from office by the military junta for a few days until things returned to normal.

Since ECOWAS promised to restore the expelled president, how are Nigerians in the Niger Republic feeling about that promise?

Many of us, especially those of us from Nigeria, have been having insomnia ever since ECOWAS said the president who was overthrown should be reinstated. There haven’t been any attacks on us, but if we’re not watchful, anything may happen. I made the decision to return to Nigeria for the purpose of praying for a peaceful resolution to the issue in the Niger Republic.

Currently, Nigeria appears to be at war with the Niger Republic to the average citizen. They are unaware of ECOWAS, and because Nigeria is one of the most populated countries, they assume that it is planning the impending onslaught on Nigerien territory.

Do you fear that war may break out in the Niger Republic?

I pray that there won’t be a battle over this subject because, if there is, only God knows what will happen next. Ordinary Niger Republic inhabitants require substantial sensitization to the fact that what ECOWAS is doing is for their benefit; otherwise, some of us (Nigerians) who coexist with them may experience difficulties going forward.

What would you like the federal government to do in your capacity as a Nigerian living in the Niger Republic?

My advice to our administration in Nigeria is to have a backup plan in place for some of our citizens who reside there. We all know how Nigeria is, which is why some of us opted to try our luck there (in the Niger Republic). However, given the current situation, staying there longer may become problematic.

Since there are many Nigerians in the Niger Republic and we come from every tribe in Nigeria, the government should make sure that they are protected. If there is going to be an attack against those coup plotters, our administration should start considering diplomatic measures to remove us before the Nigerian people turn against us. We all recall what transpired in South Africa, where our people’s businesses were the target. The government should act now because we don’t want to suffer unfairly.

Can you describe the circumstances in the Niger Republic before you left for Nigeria?
Haruna Abdulazeez is my name. Although I live in Altis, a town in the Niger Republic, I am originally from Osun State in Nigeria. Over there, I am an artisan. I temporarily left the Niger Republic for Nigeria because the situation there was quite tense, and I wanted to keep a careful eye on how things developed before determining when and whether to return.

Following the decision of the Economic Community of West African States headed by President Bola Tinubu, were there threats of an attack by the host communities against foreigners, particularly Nigerians there?

In all honesty, there was nothing comparable previously, although one can never be certain. I made the decision to return to Nigeria and stay in Illela for a while until things there return to normal since those people (Nigeriens) might decide to attack us at any time and it would be difficult for us to conceal.

What should the Federal Government of Nigeria do for its residents in the Niger Republic, if given the chance?

First of all, I would appreciate it if our government would prioritize the needs of Nigerians living in the Niger Republic. Any attempt to declare war on the military junta in the Niger Republic via ECOWAS is a direct attack on the local Nigerian population. There are certain states there that are different from those in Nigeria. Together with the wet season we are currently experiencing, their road system is really poor. The majority of us will have a very difficult time escaping before they execute us all. In the interest of some of us who work and live in Niger Republic, I implore the Nigerian government to prevent ECOWAS from starting a war against that country.

Have you spoken to your family in Osun State about your predicament and your plans for the future?

They all agreed with my decision to leave the Niger Republic and temporarily settle in Illela in Sokoto for security concerns after we spoke. It’s not like we live as refugees because the majority of us who have returned currently have one or two family in Illela. At least we are not in an Illela camp for internally displaced people, yet it cannot be compared to one’s usual way of life.

What do you do where you live, in the Niger Republic?
Greetings, I’m Nuhu Abdullahi. Despite living in the Niger Republic, I’m from the Niger State. I have a food stand there.

Why did you leave your business in the Niger Republic and come back to Nigeria?

I traveled to Illela so I could unwind and observe what was happening in the Niger Republic before determining what to do next.

Could you elaborate on your most recent experience there as well as the events leading up to your return to Illela?

I departed because of the anxiety brought on by the military coup that led to the overthrow of the democratic government. At first, the coup was met with violent protests as people were seen setting their cars on fire. In other words, I’m here to protect myself from any potential attacks since Niger Republic residents would respond if the so-called ECOWAS forces try to invade their nation.

The unpleasant side is that if there is an attack by ECOWAS or any force from anyplace, those of us who live there may pay the ultimate price.

When did you first arrive in Illela?

I’ve been here for a few days, and I’m not sure when I’ll go, but that will depend on when things become better in the Niger Republic.

Where in the Niger Republic do you reside?

I don’t live too far from Illela, but I had to go back to Nigeria to save my life in case the crisis got worse. It is regrettable that some Niger Republic residents now view us as their enemy. Up to the coup and the response of ECOWAS officials, we had been coexisting peacefully with these people.

We urge the ECOWAS leadership to take into account the common people in Nigeria and the Niger Republic who were unaware of or had no part in the coup. We only want peace, and we want the government and the ECOWAS leaders to start talking about a solution. The anticipated use of force won’t be of any assistance to us. It will only make the situation worse. Before acting, the government need to take our interests into account.