Eric Patrick
As hostilities between Iran and Israel intensify, a group of Nigerians stranded in Tehran have accused officials of the Nigerian Embassy of deserting their posts and leaving citizens without support or guidance.
In a video that has since gone viral across social media platforms and was seen by First News correspondent on Friday, one of the affected Nigerians is seen standing outside what appears to be the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, expressing frustration and fear over the alleged absence of embassy staff.
“We are Nigerians, we just came to the Nigerian Embassy here in Tehran in respect to the situation as it has been informed that all residents of Tehran should be evacuated,” the man says in the video.
“And we came to the Nigerian embassy here, at least to see the staff or the ambassador, these are Nigerians also. Some of them are just left.”
He continues, claiming that there were no officials on hand to assist or even communicate with the citizens during a time of crisis.
“We came here, and all of them have abandoned Nigerian citizens to their own fate in Tehran in Iran. That is why we are making this video so that it can go viral, the Nigerian Government has abandoned its citizens here.
“They have abandoned their citizens in Iran. They have all fled,” he said.
The speaker further alleges that embassy staff, including the ambassador, have taken refuge on an island.
“We have been reliably informed that they all went to…Island, that is where they are now,” he adds.
As of the time of this report, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued an official response to the allegations.
The unfolding situation has raised renewed concerns about the safety of Nigerian nationals abroad during international crises.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government had on Tuesday, announced that it is finalising emergency evacuation plans for citizens stranded in Israel and Iran, following the recent surge in hostilities between the two countries.
READ ALSO: Nigeria to Evacuate Citizens from Israel, Iran Amid Escalating Conflict
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said Nigerian embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran are actively contacting affected nationals and coordinating efforts to facilitate their safe return.
Nigerians in the affected regions have been advised to strictly follow local security directives and promptly register with the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Mission for guidance and updates.
The ministry commended the dedication of its diplomatic staff in both countries and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of its citizens abroad.
It also highlighted ongoing collaboration with international partners and local authorities to ensure a timely and secure evacuation process.
The statement read in part, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that following the escalation of the crisis between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Federal Government is finalising arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in both countries.
“All affected Nigerian citizens are therefore strongly advised to abide by necessary security protocols and contact the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Mission for registration and further instructions.”