Nigeria has recieved a fourth batch of 413 stranded Nigerians evacuated from the worn-thorn Sudan.
The evacuees who arrived at exactly 10.45 a.m on board a Max Airline from Egypt were recieved at the Pilgrim Terminal of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Dr. Sani Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development who spoke on behalf of the Federal Government Rescue Team comprising of Ministries and Agencies which include National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), National Commission For Refugees, Migrants And Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), as well as Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), who was represented by its Spokesperson, Mrs. Franca Omayuli. Gwarzo said that 732 persons will arrive today from the Egyptian border.
In his address to the evacuees, Gwarzo noted that Government and people of Nigeria are glad the evacuees are safely back.
He further stated that the next thing for them to do is to proceed home to meet their loved ones who have waited in anticipation of their safe return, adding that those whose places are far from Abuja can tarry a while since arrangement has been made to provide accommodation for them.
Gwarzo also said that after clearance with immigration, each evacuee will receive a food pack and a parcel containing N100,000 from Dangote Foundation as well as a pack of sim card from MTN preloaded with N25,000 credit to enable them communicate.
He also stated that the evacuees can avail themselves of a counselling service provided to aid their rehabilitation as well as a clinic to address their health needs. Gwarzo cautioned the evacuees to guard their luggage to avoid loss and theft.
He expressed his gratitude to Peace Airline for providing free air transport for the rescue exercise. He also said: “One promise we gave Mr. President is that no Nigerian who want to come home from Sudan will be left behind, anyone who want to come home will be brought home.
We have contingencies for those who were at the borders for their safe return to Nigeria”. He also noted that the exercise has recorded no death of any evacuee so far and also thanked all the agencies that are part of the rescue exercise.
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