The Federal Government has warned Nigerians against travelling to Northern Cyprus, following rising cases of human right abuses in the country.
This is was disclosed by the Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during the weekly ministerial briefing organised by the Presidential Communication Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“Think twice before going to Northern Cyprus. We can’t do much for Nigerians there. Our students are being killed daily,” Ms Dabiri-Erewa said. “Some people will tell you that their destinies are abroad but if you want to go, go legally.”
Ms Dabiri-Erewa also warned that Northern Cyprus, only recognised by Turkiye, does not have the mechanisms that would enable the federal government to pursue justice for several Nigerian students killed in the de facto State.
Recall that Turkish-based rights group and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), raised concerns over the mass trafficking of young Nigerians, mostly females, to Northern Cyprus on the pretext of educational scholarships.
“There is absolutely no legal framework that protects and assists human trafficking victims and there is no shelter. Hence, victims are often exploited for months with no access to law enforcement. Even in rare cases, they are rescued, they are left with no assistance and protection from the authorities,” said the statement signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations Unit of NAPTIP, Stella Nezan.
