Buhari Reacts To Maltreatment Of Nigerians, Africans In Russia-Ukraine War

President Muhammadu Buhari has spoken out against the mistreatment of Nigerians and Africans on the Ukraine-Poland border.

A video circulating on social media showed Africans being pushed to the back of the line and barred from boarding the train from Ukraine to Poland.

Some Nigerian students were compelled to give up their seats for Ukrainian citizens, including a lady with her newborn.

In a statement signed by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), the President emphasized that in the face of conflict, everyone, regardless of nationality, should be treated equally.

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Condemning their acts, Buhari stated that Africans, including Nigerians, have the same right to safe passage under the UN Convention, regardless of the color of their passport or skin.

“While efforts to initiate discussions between Russia and Ukraine are underway, the safety and human rights of approximately 4,000 Nigerian citizens and many more from friendly African nations currently stuck in Ukraine are paramount on our thoughts,” the statement said.

“There is a lengthy tradition of Nigerians and other Africans learning in Ukraine, particularly medical, stretching back decades.” The bulk of Nigerian residents are currently enrolled as university students.

“There have been terrible allegations of Ukrainian police and security personnel refusing to let Nigerians to board buses and trains headed towards the Ukraine-Poland border, based on video footage, first-hand testimonies, and those in communication with their wards or Nigerian diplomatic authorities.”

“A Nigerian lady with her young child was videotaped being violently pushed to give up her seat to another person in a widely circulated video on social media.

“There have also been allegations of Polish officials just rejecting Nigerian citizens from Ukraine admission into Poland.”

“After being denied entry to Poland several times, a group of Nigerian students has concluded that they have no choice except to travel via Ukraine and attempt to depart the country via the Hungary border.”

“However, it is critical that everyone is treated with dignity and without prejudice.”

“Under the UN Convention, everyone fleeing a war situation has the same right to safe passage, regardless of the color of their passport or their complexion.”

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The President prayed for people affected by the crisis and backed every diplomatic effort to settle the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.